Obstructed ETT or Circuit

🔑 Key Priorities

  • Diagnose obstruction rapidly (↑PIP, ↓TV, silent chest)

  • Rule out kinking, secretions, biting, circuit failure

🧠 Team Actions

Role

Task

Team Leader

Declare airway emergency, lead swap-out plan

Airway Manager

Disconnect circuit, bag manually

Assistant

Suction ETT, prepare replacement tube

🧭 Management Algorithm

  1. Sudden ↑ airway pressure or ↓ tidal volume

  2. Disconnect circuit, bag manually

  3. Pass suction catheter → clear or resistance?

  4. Consider biting, mucus plug, kinking, blood clot

  5. Replace ETT if unresolved

  6. Inspect circuit for obstruction

🔄 Ideal Crisis Flow

     Sudden ↑PIP or ↓TV on Ventilation
                  ↓
    Disconnect + Manual Bag Ventilation
                  ↓
    Suction / Check for Obstruction / Bite
                  ↓
     Replace ETT or Circuit if Unresolved

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