Medical Emergencies
Airway Management

The video focuses on basic airway management skills essential for responding to airway emergencies. It begins by outlining the first two critical steps, which involve opening and clearing the airway. The head tilt chin lift technique is demonstrated for patients without head or neck trauma. This manoeuvre requires placing one hand on the forehead and the other on the chin to tilt the head backward while lifting the jaw forward, effectively lifting the tongue off the back of the throat to open the airway.

For patients suspected of having cervical trauma, a jaw thrust manoeuvre is recommended, which involves displacing the jaw forward without extending the head. Should the jaw thrust prove ineffective in opening the airway, the head tilt chin lift should be employed as maintaining a patent airway is the top priority. The video also highlights the importance of clearing the airway, which may involve suctioning to remove secretions or foreign objects using an appropriate suction device.

Once the airway is clear, the use of airway adjuncts is discussed, specifically the oral pharyngeal airway (OPA) and the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA). The OPA is suitable for unconscious patients without a gag reflex, while the NPA can be used for conscious or semi-conscious patients with a gag reflex. The video provides guidance on selecting the correct size OPA, ensuring that when the flange is at the lips, the tip reaches the angle of the jaw. Insertion techniques for both the OPA and NPA are demonstrated, emphasising the correct angle and method to ensure proper placement without risking further obstruction.

Additionally, the video addresses precautions for inserting the NPA in patients with severe head trauma or known skull fractures, where an oral airway may be preferred. After placement, checking for adequate ventilation is very important, and the video encourages practitioners to listen for breath sounds to confirm successful ventilation. Overall, the content aims to equip dental professionals with essential airway management techniques relevant to emergency situations.

In this video, a standard bag valve mask (BVM) is demonstrated, highlighting its use in emergency situations for ventilating patients who are unable to breathe adequately. The presenter emphasises the importance of using 100% oxygen when using the BVM, explaining that it should be connected to a flow meter set to 15 litres per minute to maintain a sufficient supply of oxygen. As breaths are delivered, the self-inflating feature of the bag allows for 100% oxygen to be pulled in for subsequent ventilation.

The video outlines the essential components of a bag valve mask, including the one-way valves that prevent air from escaping back into the mask. It points out that BVMs are single-use devices to ensure hygiene and effectiveness. The narrator also notes the significance of the proper assembly of the mask and the risk of incorrect connections, particularly when under pressure in a code situation.

Demonstrating proper technique, the speaker shows how to position the mask correctly to ensure an adequate seal on the patient's face using the "C-E" method. This entails using two fingers to form a "C" that seals the mask and the other three fingers to lift the jaw for better airway access. The video particularly stresses the importance of watching for visible chest rise to ascertain that enough volume is being delivered during breaths, rather than merely forcing air into the patient.

Moreover, the importance of maintaining a slow and steady breathing rate during artificial ventilation is discussed, recommending one breath every six seconds (10 breaths per minute) to avoid hyperventilation and increased thoracic pressure, which can impede effective CPR. Various ventilation techniques are illustrated, including dual methods for added support from colleagues, highlighting the need for swift and efficient actions during critical circumstances. Finally, the video sets the stage for subsequent instruction on advanced airway management techniques.