chapter 11

Students will understand the need for proper airway management, including:

• Recognizing and measuring adequate and inadequate breathing.

• Maintaining an open airway.

• Providing artificial ventilation.

Demonstrate basic competency in applying airway concepts through the use of:

• Airway adjuncts

• Suction equipment

• Oxygen equipment and delivery systems

• Pulse oximetry

• CPAP

• Resuscitation devices.

Understand various types of advanced airway devices:

• Single-lumen airways

• Multilumen airways

• Supraglottic devices

Learn steps for insertion of these devices and comprehend the concepts of acid-base balance relevant to homeostasis and pathologic conditions.

National EMS Education Standard Competencies
Airway Management, Respiration, and Artificial Ventilation

• Applies knowledge of upper airway anatomy and physiology to assure a patent airway, adequate mechanical ventilation, and respiration for patients of all ages.

Knowledge Objectives

1. Review major structures of the respiratory system.

2. Discuss the physiology of breathing.

3. Describe ventilation factors including partial pressure and volumes.

4. Discuss pathophysiology related to ventilation-perfusion ratio mismatch, hypoventilation, hyperventilation, and circulatory compromise.

5. Review the concept of acid-base imbalance.

6. Explain assessment for respiration adequacy, including pulse oximetry.

7. List signs of adequate/inadequate breathing.

8. Assess for a patent airway.

9. Identify abnormal breathing patterns.

10. Discuss end-tidal CO2 assessment importance.

11. Assess and care for a patient with apnea.

12. Demonstrate head tilt-chin lift and jaw-thrust maneuvers.

13. Explain recovery position use for clear airway.

14. Discuss suctioning importance and techniques.

15. Indicate supplemental oxygen indications and use.

16. Describe oxygen equipment basics and hazards.

17. Demonstrate ventilation with bag-mask devices.

18. Discuss CPAP use and complications.

19. Recognize and care for foreign body airway obstructions.

20. Understand supraglottic and multilumen airway devices.

21. Assist paramedic partners with airway skills.

Skills Objectives

• Demonstrate pulse oximetry, positioning unresponsive patients, suctioning, airway insertion techniques, and ventilation through various methods including CPAP.

  • Follow procedures in accompanying skill drills for assessments and interventions.

Reading and Preparation
Review Chapter 11 of Advanced Emergency Care and related materials, and respiratory notes from Chapter 7 to prepare.

Teaching Tips
Encourage realistic scenarios and proper PPE use during skills practice. Incorporate interactive activities to enhance understanding and retention of respiratory management concepts.