[Acute upper-airway obstructions in primary care. Cricothyrotomy performed by the general practitioner].
Acute upper-airway obstructions, especially epiglottitis, are being observed with increasing frequency in adults, both in the hospital situation and in general practice. Acute upper-airway obstructions are life-threatening and therefore need to be treated with the highest priority. When interventions such as manual removal of a foreign body, thoracic compression or the Heimlich manoeuvre fail, the only remaining interventions are intubation and cricothyrotomy. However, only a few general practitioners (GPs) are skilled enough to perform these procedures. Should all GPs be trained in performing life-saving interventions such as cricothyrotomy? This is a difficult question; the intervention is invasive and has a high risk of complications, but securing the airway is a critical life-saving measure. Above all, there is very limited time available to wait for more experienced help. Therefore, we believe that GPs should be trained in performing life-saving interventions such as cricothyrotomy.
de Koning Gans
J M Margot
JM
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht (UMCU), Kenniscentrum Patiëntveiligheid, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Zwart
Dorien L M
DL
Kalkman
Cor J
CJ
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000379:methods*