(4) Advance the needle through the skin and cricothyroid membrane at an
angle of approximately 45 degrees from the body. As you advance the needle, you
should feel the needle "pop" into the trachea. Aspirate as you advance the needle.
Figure 3-8. Inserting the needle.
(5)
Confirm the position of the needle in this manner:
(a) Aspirate the syringe.
(b) If free air returns into the syringe, the needle is in the trachea (as it
should be) and not in the subcutaneous tissue.
(6) Advance the plastic catheter over the needle to its full length. Do so
until the catheter hub comes to rest against the patient's skin.
(7) Hold the catheter securely against the patient's neck. Remove the
needle from the catheter.
(8)
Reconfirm the position of the catheter by aspirating it again with the
syringe.
(9)
Fasten the catheter hub securely to the skin.
(10) Connect one end of the flexible tubing with a Y-connector or a side hole
in the tubing, to the catheter hub. Connect the other end to the hand-operated valve on
the oxygen cylinder.
CAUTION:
The patient can only be ventilated with this method for 30 to 45 minutes.
MD0574
3-18