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Teaching step

Step 3: Airway

Execute deliberately: oxygenate, clean the view, identify landmarks, pass under vision, and prove placement.

Core teaching points

  • Preoxygenation active
  • Apnea timer started
  • View suctioned clean
  • Epiglottis/arytenoids/cords identified
  • Tube passed deliberately
  • Placement proven with waveform EtCO2

Pearls

Tube passage is a visual task. Slow the learner down at the moment of success: hover, optimize, wait, and pass through identifiable anatomy.

Room script: We are oxygenated. Meds are in. I am cleaning the view, identifying landmarks, passing under vision, and proving placement with continuous waveform capnography.

Pitfalls

  • Advancing into a contaminated or dark view
  • Trying the exact same technique again after failure
  • Passing tube before landmarks are clear
  • Declaring success without continuous waveform EtCO2