The document discusses the QuickTrach device, a surgical airway intervention used in pre-hospital settings. It was developed as a less complicated and invasive alternative to traditional surgical airways. The QuickTrach involves puncturing the cricoid cartilage and inserting a catheter through the puncture site to secure an airway. It has benefits over other methods as it requires minimal training and can be performed in a moving ambulance. The document outlines indications, contraindications, complications, and the step-by-step procedure for QuickTrach insertion. Repeated reassessment of the patient is emphasized.

1. Surgical Airways and the use of the QuickTrach Devise

2. Respiratory System

10. Indications for the use of Surgical Airway * All other methods have been exhausted, or are impractical. *Massive mid-facial trauma precluding the use of BVM *Inability to control the airway using less invasive measures.

11. Complications - Surgical Airways *Hypercarbia from prolonged use. *Damage to surrounding structures. *Prolonged procedure time. *Hemorrhage. *Aspiration. *Misplacement or false passage of the ETT. *Perforation of the Esophagus.

12. Contraindications – Surgical Airways *Insufficient Training *Lack of proper equipment. *Ability to secure the airway by other means. *Any patient who can be safely intubated, orally or nasally. *Patients with laryngotracheal injuries. *Children under 10 years of age. *Acute laryngeal disease of traumatic or infectious origin.

13. Description of the QuickTrach Device *Equipment included in the QuickTrach kit. *Components

15. Procedure for Insertion *Gather equipment. *Patient Positioning *Puncture of the Cricoid Cartilage. *Verification of needle entering the airway.

16. Procedure for Insertion *Position change for further insertion. *Remove the stopper. *Advance catheter and needle.

17. Procedure for Insertion *Removal of needle. *Secure the device. *Connect extension tubing. *Ventilate with BVM.

18. Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!! Reassess the patient for any changes ……REASSESS!!