Cricothyrotomy Surgical

Procedure Guidelines 9.10

CRICOTHYROTOMY (SURGICAL)

INDICATIONS:

• If unable to ventilate and airway not patent, perform Cricothyrotomy.
• When an airway is needed and intubation is unsuccessful.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Known bleeding disorder and/or anticoagulant therapy.
• Unable to locate landmarks.

EQUIPMENT:

• Quiktrach kit (Adult or Child size)

PROCEDURE: (refer to illustrations):

• Place the patient in a supine position with the neck in a neutral position.
• Palpate the thyroid notch, cricothyroid membrane, and the sternal notch for orientation. Gather equipment.
• Prepare site with Antiseptic swabs.
• Stabilize the thyroid cartilage with thumb and 3rd finger of hand. Stretch skin taut.
• Puncture the thyroid cartilage with the device.
• Insert the Quiktrach into the trachea.
• Remove the stopper from the Quiktrach device.
• Remove the metal needle and advance cannula.
• Ventilate the patient with BVM.
• Observe breath sounds and auscultate the chest for adequate ventilation.
• Secure the Quiktrach device.
• Continue to ventilate and observe chest rise.