This document discusses tracheostomy, including indications, functions, and types. Tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure that creates an opening in the trachea and converts it into a stoma on the skin surface. Indications for tracheostomy include respiratory insufficiency, respiratory obstruction, and retained secretions due to various conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis, inability to cough, paralysis, and more. Functions of tracheostomy are to bypass obstructions, improve ventilation, provide protection, and allow for suction of secretions. Types of tracheostomy include emergent, urgent, therapeutic, elective, temporary, and permanent procedures.