Purpose of Module:
The purpose of this module is to learn the principles of basic airway management.

Time to complete Overview of Basic Airway Management: 1 hour

Directions for using the Airway Module:

* You must spend at least 1/2 hour doing hands-on training.
1. Read the training Objectives
2. Review Brady Emergency Care, Eighth Edition pp. 100-113.
3. Watch the video tape "Mosby’s EMT-BASIC VIDEO SERIES, Lesson 2-1 Airway".
4. Watch the video tape "V-VAC® In-service Training".
5. Use the MED EMT computer based training software and complete Chapter 9, Section 6.
6. Perform the Basic Airway Maneuvers as described in the objectives using the airway checklist and adult mannequin provided.
7. Take the posttest.
8. Give module back to instructor or person in charge.

Training Objectives:

1. Name and label the major structures of the respiratory system on a diagram.
2. List the signs of adequate breathing.
3. List the signs of inadequate breathing.
4. Describe and demonstrate the steps in performing the head-tilt, chin-lift.
5. Relate mechanism of injury to opening the airway.
6. Describe and perform the steps in performing the jaw thrust.
7. State the importance of having a suction unit ready for immediate use when providing emergency care. Demonstrate proper suctioning.

Activities to Perform:

1. Watch the video tape "Mosby’s EMT-BASIC VIDEO SERIES, Lesson 2-1 Airway".
2. Use the MED EMT computer based training software and complete Chapter 9, Section 6.
3. Use the Airway Skill Checklist to verify your steps in opening an airway on the adult mannequin.
4. Demonstrate the techniques of suctioning using the V-VAC®.
5. Take the posttest to give yourself feedback on this module.

Posttest:

1. The first step of emergency care in the patient with inadequate breathing is:
A. checking for the patient's pulse.
B. manually stabilizing the cervical spine.
C. opening and maintaining the patient's airway.
D. looking for and controlling severe bleeding.

2. Your 24-year-old female patient has fallen from the roof of her house
and is unconscious; the best method of opening her airway is the:
A. head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. C. head-tilt, neck-lift maneuver.
B. jaw-thrust maneuver. D. tongue-jaw lift maneuver.

3. Signs of inadequate artificial ventilation of an adult patient include:
A. a heart rate that returns to normal.
B. failure of the patient's skin color to improve.
C. the patient's chest rising and falling with each ventilation.
D. a ventilation rate of approximately 12 per minute.

4. A common problem associated with mouth-to-mouth breathing is:
A. cyanosis.
B. Hemothorax.
C. Pneumothorax.
D. Gastric distention.

5. ` What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an
unconscious patient?
A. Vomitus
B. The tongue
C. Blood clots
D. Aspirated food

ANSWERS: (1) C (2) B (3) B (4) D (5) B