Difficult Airway

Course overview

This 2 hour course trains ALS providers to recognize and manage the difficult airway using evidence based assessment and algorithms. Learners review upper and lower airway anatomy, predictors of difficulty (Mallampati, Cormack Lehane, LEMON), and the crash, failed, and difficult pathways. The course covers BVM optimization, bougie assisted intubation, video laryngoscopy fundamentals, confirmation with waveform capnography, and post intubation care. Surgical options are outlined, including needle and surgical cricothyrotomy, with emphasis on rapid decision making, patient safety, and protocol aligned documentation.