| Abstract: | Airway management practices in the intensive care unit (ICU) are still evolving, evidenced by an increasing proliferation of guidelines and algorithms in recent years. Specific considerations relate to the out-of-theatre environment and the physiological state in this patient population. Airway management in ICU is ultimately a multifaceted process spanning team training, simulation, preassessment, preparation, positioning of the patient, equipment decisions, guidelines/algorithm adherence and most recently the consideration of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The use of video laryngoscopy has increased, as have the practices of apnoeic oxygenation and the use of checklists. Emergency front-of-neck access (FONA) should be taught to all staff and standardized equipment made available. This article highlights the factors a multidisciplinary team must navigate when approaching airway management in the ICU. |
