San Andreas Fire Rescue
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
Cricothyroidotomy (CPG A0304)
Stop
-
There are no C/Is where oxygenation and ventilation cannot occur with other techniques
-
Cric is always an option if a patient cannot be ventilated/oxygenated - MICA paramedics are explicitly authorised to perform this skill prior to the patient going into cardiac arrest.
-
Mechanical ventilation is C/I when mx with cric (except AAV)
​​
Advanced Paramedic
-
Unconscious Pt unable to be ventilated with BVM, OPA, NPA, LMA or ETT where:
-
unable to intubate
-
not authorised to RSI
-
massive facial trauma and RSI not safe
-
no IV/IO access
-
upper airway obstruction unable to be cleared
-
partial airway obstruction, Tx by AAV req'd and alternative techniques not available
-
-
Provide post cric sedation and paralysis as per CPG A0305 Airway maintenance
-
Prior to sedation/paralysis the device must be secured and confirmed in place using capnography, verified by 2 Advanced Paramedics if available
Flow Chart