Field Tracheotomy: Emergency Airway Procedure - Guide for Professionals

A field tracheotomy is emergency tracheal surgery to establish an open airway in someone who has suffered extreme trauma to the tracheal area and cannot breathe. Usually this is done on the battlefield or after a traumatic traffic accident. Only trained medical personnel should attempt such surgery.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate the correct spot in the neck which is the lower part of the neck between the Adam's apple and top of the breastbone.

• 2

  Make an incision through the neck and separate the tissues and muscles. The thyroid gland should be visible. Cut down the middle of the thyroid gland and separate. The rings of cartilage can now be seen. Cut between the rings into the tough wall into the windpipe.

• 3

  Insert a tube into the opening which will act as an airway. Anything can be used that is rigid and open at both ends. A ball point pen case or a plastic straw can be used in extreme emergencies in the field.

• 4

  Perform a field tracheotomy only in severe emergency situations as a last-resort procedure. It is only done if the patient's trachea is obstructed and the situation is life-threatening.