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Wrapping up our series on procedures with a talk about airway management. Who should manage airways in the ICU? What’s the role of intensivists, APPs, anesthesia, etc? What’s the “correct” balance of expertise, distribution of labor, and training? Our general approach to supraglottic airways, mask ventilation, intubation, cricothyrotomy, drugs, assessing airway anatomy, training, and more.
I’m an NP who was a paramedic for 18 years, 10 as a critical care flight paramedic, before becoming an NP. I have extensive airway experience and am often the most experienced airway person in the hospital. I think I that we should view experience rather than title when it comes to any procedure. I’m happy to pass off an airway when appropriate, but if it’s going to be a tough airway, I’m going to be the one to do it.
Right on, Steve. Hospital policies or culture may certainly bear upon this, though.