[Training in application of cricoid pressure].
BACKGROUND
Applying cricoid pressure is a simple and effective means of preventing aspiration of gastric juice and content. This procedure prevents a possible reflux by compressing the esophagus between the cricoid cartilage and the cervical vertebral bodies. Recent studies recommend a pressure of 30-40 N. The present study was undertaken to determine whether with education and practice, anesthesia assisitants could be taught a recommended cricoid pressure and retain this skill.


METHODS
Thirty-four participants (seventeen doctors, seventeen nurses) were asked to apply pressure to the blinded model to simulate application of maneuver on three occations: before instruction, after practice and 1 month after the practice. Cricoid force was measured using a life-size model on a calibrated scale.


RESULTS
Only four doctors and five nurses actually applied cricoid pressure effectively. After training, 13 doctors and 12 nurses applied cricoid pressure correctly. But they could not retain skill for 1 month.


CONCLUSIONS
This model represents an easy and practical means of training the application of the optimal level cricoid pressure but the training should be continued.
Shimabukuro
Ako
A
Department of Anesthesiology, Nakagami Hospital, Okinawa.
Kawatani
Masako
M
Nagao
Namiko
N
Inoue
Yumi
Y
Hayashida
Michiko
M
Hikawa
Yoshiko
Y
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage; D006801:Humans; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists / Q000193:education; D009872:Operating Room Technicians / Q000193:education*; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000193:education; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011312:Pressure; D013664:Teaching Materials