Low-Fidelity Simulation of Airway Emergencies

Objective: Junior trainees are commonly expected to manage airway emergencies with very little prior experience. The aim of this simulation training is to: 1) Be able to increase the confidence of participants in managing airway emergencies with respect to tracheostomies. 2) Learn the principles of performing a surgical cricothyroidomy.Method: Design: Survey. Tertiary otolaryngology center. Junior doctors otolaryngology and anaesthesia. A half-day program in managing airway emergencies. Surgical cricothyroidotomy was taught (Killick artificial larynx). Algorithms on 2 complete airway scenarios (blocked/displaced tracheostomy and “can’t intubate, can’t ventilate”) were completed. Confidence in managing airway emergencies was evaluated (Likert scale).Results: Previous exposure to airway emergencies was variable between the trainees. Universally, the trainees described a marked improvement in confidence following the practical and moulage sessions. Videos from these sessions will be available online to serve...