Section II. NEEDLE CRICOTHYROIDOTOMY
3-5.
EQUIPMENT
To perform a needle cricothyroidotomy, you will need this equipment: iodine
preparation kit, large bore needles (12-gauge or 14-gauge), cannula-over-needle device
(optional), and tape.
3-6.
PROCEDURE
This procedure must be done within four minutes.
a. Place the casualty in the supine position.
b. Extend the casualty's neck by placing a large, rolled-up towel or pillow under
his neck or between his shoulder blades so that the airway is straight. Prep the area
with povidine-iodine.
c. If you suspect that the casualty has a cervical (neck) injury, DO NOT extend
the neck.
d. Palpate the thyroid notch and the cricoid cartilage and locate the cricothyroid
membrane.
e. Stabilize the larynx between the thumb and the index and middle fingers of
one hand and firmly insert the needle perpendicularly into the membrane.
Figure 3-2. Inserting the needle perpendicularly into the cricothyroid membrane.
MD0569
3-4