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Airway of the MonthRead the patient. Rescue the airway. Run the room.
Airway of the MonthRead the patient. Rescue the airway. Run the room.
Rescue / Tube In, Patient Worse
What is failing right now?
One combined post-intubation rescue landing spot. No videos here: this is quick clinical navigation.
Rescue timer
00:00
Threshold reached: oxygenate, call for help, change something.
Crisis MapThe first four moves before diagnosis.What Is Failing?Start from what you see: O₂, BP, EtCO₂, alarm, vitals.HypoxiaTube position, obstruction, pneumothorax, equipment, stacking.HypotensionSedation, preload, PEEP, tension, RV failure, auto-PEEP.Vent AlarmsHigh pressure, low volume, apnea/disconnect.Sedation MedicationsAnalgesia/sedation options including dexmedetomidine.
About this resource
Created by: Andrew Pirotte, MD; Kyle Brown, MD; Reba Hodge, MD; Amanda Vanderwerf, PharmD, BCEMP; Morgan Kimball, PharmD, BCEMP; Joshua Mohess
Clinical review: Clinical review pending: local ED, ICU, EMS, anesthesia, pharmacy, and pediatric protocol review recommended before bedside teaching rollout.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Next scheduled review: 2027-01-23
Designed for: EM residents, emergency physicians, EMS clinicians, airway educators, and simulation faculty
Important: Educational resource and cognitive-aid guide only; not a bedside order set or substitute for local protocol, medical direction, or clinical judgment.
Website contact: kybrown@kumc.edu