Airway Management
1. Airway Overview
Video 1
A Comprehensive Overview
Learn about the key devices used to establish and maintain an airway in patients with compromised breathing. This video covers tools ranging from basic adjuncts to advanced airway devices used in critical care.
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Video 2
The First Two Steps
Master the foundational steps of airway management, from opening and clearing the airway to using adjuncts and performing effective bag-mask ventilation. This video guides you through each technique to ensure safe and effective patient care in emergencies.
Video 3
Airway Devices
Start here for an introduction to airway management devices and what they’re used for. This video kicks off a series that explores each device in detail.
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This AMBOSS overview is a detailed, high-yield resource for medical trainees covering airway management concepts, algorithms, & device selection. Ideal for clinical reference & exam preparation.
Osmosis provides a simplified, visual summary of airway management designed for foundational learning. Great for students building early understanding of core concepts.
2. Anatomy & Physiology
Video 1
3D Airway Anatomy
This 3D tutorial breaks down the anatomy of the upper and lower airway: the vital structures that make breathing possible. Learn how airflow travels from nose to alveoli and why airway integrity is crucial for life.
Video 2
Respiratory Animation
This detailed animation explores the human respiratory system, covering key organs like the lungs, trachea, pleura, and alveoli. A great visual guide to understanding how we breathe.
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Video 3
Dr. Laksono's Module
Coming Soon
Explore interactive 3D models of airway anatomy with this University of Toronto resource. Perfect for visualizing key structures involved in anesthesia and airway management.
Review the basics of airway anatomy with this easy-to-understand guide from MedicTests. Great for learners preparing for clinical care or emergency response.
3. Basic and Advanced Airway Management
Video 1
Basic Airway Management
This ACLS training video covers the core principles of basic airway management, including positioning, suctioning, and use of airway adjuncts. A practical guide for maintaining a patent airway during emergency resuscitation.
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Video 2
Airway Management Devices
Learn about essential airway devices that help bypass obstructions like the tongue, including the oropharyngeal airway, nasopharyngeal airway, endotracheal tube, and laryngeal mask airway. These tools support effective breathing and oxygen delivery in emergency care.
Video 3
Advanced Airway​
This advanced airway management video shows how to properly use oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways to maintain a clear airway. It covers device selection, insertion techniques, and tips for effective suctioning and patient safety.
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U of T’s interactive resource on airway options, from simple adjuncts to advanced devices. This helps guide effective clinical decision-making.
A practical overview from RCEM Learning on basic airway management, including key techniques and device use in emergency care.
St John WA outlines the principles of advanced airway management, focusing on decision-making, techniques, and clinical best practices.
4. Difficult Airway Algorithms
Video 1
Difficult Airway Algorithm
This simulation-based video explores essential airway anatomy and walks through the difficult airway algorithm in real time. It offers a practical look at how clinicians apply structured decision-making during high-stress airway emergencies.
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Video 2
DAS Guidelines
This video presents the updated Difficult Airway Society (DAS) guidelines for managing unanticipated difficulty with tracheal intubation in adults. It introduces a unified algorithm for both routine and rapid sequence intubation, emphasizing early recognition of difficulty, clear communication, and structured crisis management.
This interactive U of T resource reviews strategies for managing a difficult airway. Learn to anticipate challenges, follow evidence-based algorithms, and make safe clinical decisions.
This figure outlines 3 ASA-endorsed tools for managing anticipated & unanticipated difficult airways:
1. a decision-making aid for choosing awake vs. induced airway pathways,
2. an awake intubation algorithm
3. rescue strategy for unexpected ventilation failure.
5. Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI)
Video 1
Introduction to RSI
This video explains Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI), a critical technique used in emergencies or when aspiration risk is high. Learn how RSI differs from standard intubation through the use of paralysis, cricoid pressure, and rapid, coordinated steps.
Video 2
Key Steps of RSI
This "Must Know EM" video breaks down the key steps of Rapid Sequence Intubation in the emergency setting. Ideal for learners looking to master indications, medications, and best practices for safe, efficient intubation.
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Explore the principles of Rapid Sequence Induction with this interactive U of T primer. Review indications, drug choices, and step-by-step guidance for safe and effective intubation.
LITFL’s comprehensive guide to Rapid Sequence Intubation covers everything from preparation and drug selection to troubleshooting. A high-yield resource for emergency and critical care providers.
6. Extubation
Video 1
Extubation Basics
This video explains the full process of extubation, from indications to procedure, following temporary mechanical ventilation. Learn when and how artificial airways like endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes are safely removed by healthcare providers.
Video 2
Extubation Sequence
Extubation is a critical and a phase of airway management that can carry significant risk. This video introduces a structured approach to safe extubation, focusing on patient stability, key safety checks, and reversing anesthesia while preserving pain control.
This interactive U of T resource outlines key principles & steps for safe extubation. Learn how to assess readiness, perform the procedure, & manage potential complications.
Formal guidelines from the Difficult Airway Society providing an evidence-based, risk-stratified approach to extubation in routine and high-risk patients.
Reviewed and edited by Dr. Isabelle Laksono and Dr. Michael Lee