CICM SAQ 2010.1 Q9

Call for help

This should be in context –

• If the child becomes hypoxic/has a respiratory arrest etc – proceed with attempt bag mask ventilation 100% oxygen immediately – attempt intubation.
• If there is time – aim to have the person with the best paediatric airway management expertise – intubate child

Optimise medical management

• High flow oxygen
• if child hypoxic – can discuss avoiding distressing the child by holding mask away from face and with child on parents lap (unless really sick)
• IV steroids – adequate dose (0.6mg/kg dexamethasone)
• NEB adrenaline 5mg (repeated doses)
• Oxygen/Helium mixture if tolerates

Adequate discussion of preparation for intubation

• range of ETT’s (size 4.0, 4.5. 5.0, 5.5)
• two laryngoscopes with range of blade sizes – straight/curved
• small diameter “bougie”
• cannula for percutaneous needle cricothyroidotomy + method for oxygen delivery
• suction

Intubation: One of 2 approaches

• Inhalational induction of anaesthesia with maintenance of spontaneous ventilation until adequate depth of anaesthesia achieved to allow intubation (or to assess ability to ventilate – then proceed to paralyse child), or
• IV induction – with paralysis

There must be some discussion regarding risks of either technique. Mere mention of IV approach will not be enough to gain marks. There must be some discussion regarding risks of either technique. However, if not trained in inhalational anaesthetic techniques – reasonable to proceed with IV induction of anaesthesia + muscle paralysis – with risk of being unable to ventilate.

Alternate strategies if unable to intubate

• Ventilate with LMA/face mask until help arrives
• Rarely need to proceed to needle cricothyroidotomy