Cricothyroidotomy

Difficulty in intubating patients often arises unexpectedly, even in those predicted to be low risk. The Difficult Airway Society have produced guidelines to help planning for difficulty and to produce a standardized approach. Cricothyroidotomy or ‘emergency front of neck access’ is the Plan D on these guidelines. It should be performed in after plans A–C have failed, a situation termed ‘can’t intubate can’t oxygenate’ (CICO). Cricothyroidotomy should only be performed by those with appropriate skills and training. The descriptions in this chapter are included to describe the technique and to outline the equipment required.