This topic is designed for medical professionals who may be required to attend to tracheostomy emergencies at Caulfield ABI.
Knowledge is assessed by a 10 question MCQ test.
All of the knowledge that is tested is derived from 3 scenarios available on the INTENSIVE website (http://intensiveblog.com). Click on the links below:
Tracheostomy Emergency 001: Blocked tracheostomy tube
Tracheostomy Emergency 002: Displaced tracheostomy tube
Tracheostomy Emergency 003: Bleeding tracheostomy site
Scenario 1 learning objectives
To describe the approach to immediate assessment of the trachestomy patient with respiratory distress
To recognise the importance of immediate removal of the inner cannula in a tracheostomy patient with respiratory distress
Scenario 2 learning objectives
To describe a systematic approach to trouble-shooting respiratory distress in a tracheostomy patient
To recognise that positive pressure ventilation through a tracheostomy tube should not be performed unless the tube’s placement in the trachea has been confirmed
To identify the oral route as an option for oxygenation and ventilation if the tracheostomy tube fails (this may require deflation of the tracheostomy tube cuff or removal of the tracheostomy tube)
Scenario 3 learning objectives
To describe the important late causes of bleeding from a tracheostomy site