Step 3

Airway

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

Learning objectives

Start timers
Use best preoxygenation strategy
Clean the view
Identify landmarks before passing
Change something between attempts
Confirm with waveform EtCO2

Say aloud

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

Critical actions

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

Teaching pearl

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

Common 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

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