Abstract
We present a case of impending airway obstruction in a fit 47 year old man. We present our experience in the management of this difficult airway and share our learning outcomes from this case. We are a peripheral semi-urban hospital with no surgical/ENT cover overnight.
Acute epiglottitis is an uncommon but potentially fatal cause of airway obstruction and physicians should be vigilant for rapid deterioration of potential cases. Early intubation of severe cases is recommended. Just as we have simulation sessions for ALS, every department should run a simulated difficult airway [CICV scenario] regularly in an ED setting. Although very rare, these situations pose an extremely stressful period for those concerned. It is imperative to remember that failure to plan is to plan for failure.
As Aristotle said “ We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Acute epiglottitis is an uncommon but potentially fatal cause of airway obstruction and physicians should be vigilant for rapid deterioration of potential cases. Early intubation of severe cases is recommended. Just as we have simulation sessions for ALS, every department should run a simulated difficult airway [CICV scenario] regularly in an ED setting. Although very rare, these situations pose an extremely stressful period for those concerned. It is imperative to remember that failure to plan is to plan for failure.
As Aristotle said “ We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
| Event | 19th Annual Congress of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine and International Critical Care Congress: CRITICARE 2013 - Kolkata, India Duration: 1 Mar 2013 → 6 Mar 2013 |
Conference
| Conference | 19th Annual Congress of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine and International Critical Care Congress |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| City | Kolkata |
| Period | 1/03/13 → 6/03/13 |