Section III. SURGICAL CRICOTHYROIDOTOMY
3-7.
GENERAL
A surgical cricothyroidotomy is the first treatment action when the airway is
obstructed by swelling associated with burns, anaphylactic reaction, edema, or a
crushing injury to the larynx. IT IS THE LAST RESORT FOR ALL OTHER TYPES OF
OBSTRUCTION. This task should NOT be performed on infants and children. Only
casualties with a total upper airway obstruction or casualties with inhalation burns
should be considered for surgical cricothyroidotomy.
3-8.
EQUIPMENT
To perform surgical cricothyroidotomy, you will need the following equipment:
a. Any cutting instrument:
(1)
Scissors.
(2)
Pocket knife.
(3)
Tin can (edge).
(4)
Scalpel.
b. If a dilator (an instrument used for stretching an opening) is not available, you
may use one of the following to enlarge the opening:
(1)
Hemostats (small surgical clamp for constricting a blood vessel).
(2)
Needle holders.
(3)
Small retractors (Weitlaner).
(4)
Knife handle.
(5)
Pair of keys.
(6)
Cannula (noncollapsible tube to maintain airway).
c. Tape or something to hold the tube in place.
MD0569
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