An emergency cricothyroidotomy is one of the most critical procedures you’ll perform as an EMT or first responder. When a “can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate” (CICO) situation arises, it becomes a life-saving last resort. Time is not on your side, and your ability to quickly manage the airway can make all the difference.

There’s no room for hesitation, so you need the right tools and techniques to act decisively. Keep reading to learn about the essential airway tools and techniques for performing an emergency cricothyroidotomy.

What Is an Emergency Cricothyroidotomy?

An emergency cricothyroidotomy is a surgical procedure used to create an airway when other methods fail. It’s typically performed in CICO situations, where traditional intubation methods are impossible or ineffective, and the patient is in immediate respiratory distress. This procedure is only performed in dire situations, like when the airway is blocked due to trauma, swelling, or foreign objects.

Essential Tools for Emergency Cricothyroidotomy

To perform a cricothyroidotomy, you’ll need the following airway tools and medical devices:

• Scalpel: Used to make an incision in the cricothyroid membrane.
• Bougie: A flexible guidewire that helps secure the airway and guides the tracheostomy tube into place.
• Tracheostomy tube: The tube is inserted into the airway to allow oxygen to flow into the lungs.
• Syringe: Used to inflate the tracheostomy tube cuff, securing it in the trachea.

These tools must be reliable and high-quality to ensure the procedure goes smoothly. Sourcing your tools from trusted suppliers like Coast Biomedical Equipment guarantees you’re using products that meet the highest reliability standards.

Techniques for Performing an Emergency Cricothyroidotomy

The cricothyroidotomy procedure involves a few precise steps. These include:

• Identify the cricothyroid membrane: The easiest method is the “laryngeal handshake,” where you use your thumb and fingers to palpate the neck and feel for the hard cartilage of the thyroid and cricoid. The soft space between them is the cricothyroid membrane.
• Make an incision: Once you’ve identified the membrane, use a scalpel to make a vertical incision to expose the membrane. Then, create a small horizontal incision through it.
• Insert the bougie: After making the incision, carefully insert the bougie. It should move freely within the trachea.
• Place the tube: Slide the tracheostomy tube over the bougie and into the airway. Remove the bougie and inflate the cuff using the syringe to secure the airway. Once secured, confirm air movement and secure the tube for continuous oxygen flow.

Trust Coast Biomedical for Reliable Airway Tools

In high-stress situations where a cricothyroidotomy is necessary, it’s crucial to have the right tools and knowledge. Ensure your medical device kit is fully stocked with reliable airway tools and medical devices from Coast Biomedical Equipment.

We provide top-of-the-line equipment to ensure you’re always prepared when lives are on the line. Contact us today to stock up on the essential tools you need for emergency procedures.