EMT Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-2202 | To Tube Or Not To Tube : 

This course is designed specifically for EMTs to enhance their capabilities and understanding of advanced Airway Management. This chapter discussed the indications for intubations, recognizing a patient in need of advanced airway, the step-by-step process of intubation, comparing different airway devices, understanding emergency cricothyrotomy, and how to efficiently apply this knowledge within the EMT scope of practice. The lessons covered are 

• Lesson 1: Foundations of Advanced Airway Management for EMTs
• Lesson 2: When Advanced Airway Management is Indicated
• Lesson 3: The Intubation Process and EMT’s Supportive Role
• Lesson 4: Endotracheal Tubes vs. Supra-glottic Airways
• Lesson 5: Surgical Cricothyrotomy – The Last Resort Airway
• Lesson 6: Applying EMT Airway Knowledge in Practice

Excerpt from EMT Chapter 25-MCIT-F3-2202 | To Tube Or Not To Tube

One of the primary indications for advanced airway management is the patient’s inability to protect their own airway. This includes patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale, or GCS, score less than 8; this is a common guideline, often summarized as ‘GCS less than 8, intubate.’ An absent gag reflex signifies a loss of the protective cough and gag, greatly increasing aspiration risk. Patients with massive facial trauma often have distorted anatomy and significant bleeding or swelling that can obstruct the airway. Severe burns to the face and airway can lead to rapid, life-threatening swelling. And any patient at high risk of aspiration, such as those with active vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, or excessive secretions who are obtunded or unconscious, will likely need advanced airway protection.