Definition & Operational Usage
Airway management encompasses the systematic approaches and interventions employed to maintain or restore patency of a patient's airway, ensuring effective gas exchange. This includes the application of basic adjuncts such as oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways, as well as advanced procedures like endotracheal intubation and surgical airway techniques. Not to be confused with ventilation, which focuses on the delivery of air, airway management is a critical component of the START triage system and is essential in pre-hospital settings.
Category context: Patient care, assessment, interventions, triage, and EMS system terms commonly used by firefighter/medics.
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