Airway management – a review of current methods, guidelines and equipment
Airway management – a review of current methods, guidelines and equipment

Summary/Abstract: Maintaining airway patency is an essential issue in many fields of medicine. The modern approach to CPR, which focuses on maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation was finally established by Peter Safar in his book ABC of Resuscitation (1950). At present, along with the development of evidence-based medicine, techniques which are proven to be clinically effective are regularly published in a convenient form – as bundles and guidelines. Regarding airway management, ERC and DAS guidelines are the most reliable and useful sources of knowledge and practical clinical advice. Among the medical staff, there is emphasis put on the mastery of AB C techniques. Airway management is the first step in the resuscitation algorithm. It consists of a variety of procedures ranging from simple and non-invasive to more complex, requiring professional training and experience. Currently, the most clinically effective and life-saving actions are incorporated into whole procedures and bundles, such as ERC or DAS guidelines, which are evenly checked, evaluated and, eventually, modified. This method of regular revision allows us to keep all medical professionals at the same level of competence. The aim of the study was to describe basic and advanced techniques, methods, and devices which are currently used to provide it. Currently applicable guidelines regarding CPR and airway management were reviewed and summarized.

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