Pediatric airway situations

Children are physiology-first. Oxygenation and weight-based planning matter.

Pediatric DKA / Acidosis AirwayPediatric DKA intubation is uncommon and high risk. The key danger is loss of compensatory ventilation and cerebral/hemodynamic complications.Pediatric Asthma AirwayThe tube may be necessary, but post-intubation air trapping is the danger.Pediatric Foreign Body AspirationA partially obstructed child can deteriorate with agitation or paralysis.Pediatric Septic Shock AirwayIntubation can unmask cardiovascular collapse; airway and shock resuscitation must run together.Pediatric Anaphylaxis AirwayEpinephrine and shock treatment are the priority while preparing for airway edema/bronchospasm.Infant Bronchiolitis AirwaySmall changes in tube size, resistance, and secretions matter in infants.Neonate / Infant Apnea AirwayIn very young patients, oxygenation and ventilation usually drive the resuscitation.Pediatric Trauma / Shock AirwayAirway, hemorrhage control, and perfusion are inseparable.

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