Saving a life is no easy task. To make things worse is when you must cause the patient more harm to allow their body to function properly or when dealing with a problem that can’t be seen. Which is why a Cricothyrotomy is such a sensitive topic. Even a minor slip up can cause the patient to lose their voice or could even cause them to bleed out. That’s why it takes the utmost patience, focus, and diligence.
To begin you need to check your patient for vital signs. So, start off by checking their pulse. When the pulse is found you must lean forward while attempting to get your face as close as possible without touching the patient’s face. To see if you can feel the patient’s breath against your skin and visual see the bilateral …show more content…
Now everything has been accounted for the cricothyroid membrane needs to be found again. After the membrane has been found again place one hand on the trachea. Being sure that you are as gentle but firm as possible. Gently clean the site with alcohol wipes. Cleaning in a circular motion from the inside out. Never going over the same area twice. Grab the scalpel and steady your hand with your pinky on the patient’s chest. The first incision must be done vertically about an inch and a half long. Only cutting the skin. While still holding the trachea takes the scalpel and turn it horizontally. Apply enough pressure to puncture the membrane but be cautious not to go to deep and damage the vocal folds.
Swap the scalpel for the trachea hook. Insert the trachea hook gently and keep the sharp end pointed away from the head. Then apply enough pressure to slightly pull the trachea forward. Now take the ET tube with the curve facing away from the head. Be aware to have the bevel facing up. When pushing in the ET tube do not go too far. Which would cause for air to enter the stomach. Causing the patient to possibly vomit. When you are comfortable with the placement of the ET tube inflate the balloon with a 10cc syringe. So, the ET tube doesn’t move and become