Advances in Emergent Airway Management in Pediatrics

Abstract

Airway management is the cornerstone to resuscitation efforts for many critically ill pediatric patients presenting for emergency care. Pediatric endotracheal intubation is uncommon in emergency medicine, making it challenging to maintain comfort with this critical procedure. This article offers strategies to facilitate pediatric airway management by addressing predictable anatomic and physiologic differences in children. Also reviewed are alternative approaches to airway management (eg, noninvasive ventilation and videolaryngoscopy) that might be used in cases of recognized difficult airways. Finally, recommendations for maintaining procedural skills in providers who may have limited clinical exposure to critically ill children requiring airway interventions are provided.

Keywords: Bag-mask ventilation; Difficult airway; Endotracheal intubation; Pediatric airway; Videolaryngoscopy.