insertion of an airway if appropriate. Choice airway depends on the level of consciousness of the patient:
patient with signs of airway obstruction but relatively conscious, try a nasopharangeal airway
patient with signs of airway obstruction and impaired level of consciousness, try an oropharangeal airway
unconscious and unable to protect their airway, needs a definitive airway ie. intubation and insertion of endotracheal tube
for improving and protecting the airway:
if the airway is poor, for example if laryngeal swelling has occurred, i.e. due to smoke inhalation, then the decision to intubate may be made
intubation may similarly be performed early if laryngeal oedema appears likely to develop
attempts at intubation should be made for as long as the clinician can hold his or her own breath
Notes:
people need to be less conscious to tolerate an oropharangeal airway; but if cannot tolerate an oropharangeal airway, may tolerate a nasopharangeal airway
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