Let's make it clear what this course is not. It is not another version of "All roads lead to the Fiberoptic bronchoscope." Clearly bronchoscopy, for those with a high level of expertise, can answer almost every problem in the airway. Equally clear, obtaining the device, gaining the expertise, and even more importantly, keeping the expertise is not possible for most of us. Therefore, we have taken the tack that what actually matters to most medical care providers is the void between the Mac 3 and the bronchoscope. In the past ten years, this void has really filled in and expanded as new research and new tools/gadgets have come into existence. It is our intent to show this entire spectrum. We will present information on unusual laryngoscope blades, airway local anesthesia, the Combitube, lightwands, stylets/ tube changers, percutaneous cricothyrotomy and retrograde intubation. This information will all be directed toward giving you the options to intervene successfully in the Difficult Airway before you get to the last ditch techniques of transtracheal jet ventilation and cricothyroidotomy/percutaneous dilational tracheostomy, which will be discussed in detail.

Most importantly, even beyond the complete scope of the course, what is unusual and different is the three layered approach to teaching. First there is the traditional didactic phase, based on slides and lectures by an instructor who has spent many hours analyzing all the research, reports, studies and devices in order to bring you information on what really works. Then video tapes will be shown to transition from the static to dynamic situation. Finally, utilizing manikins and trained instructors, each participant will have an opportunity to try each technique to their satisfaction. We firmly believe that every participant will leave infinitely better prepared to analyze and deal with the Difficult Airway encountered in his/her practice.

AIRWAY PROGRAM PURPOSE:
There is no greater pressure to perform than when confronted with the obstructed airway in a patient who cannot be ventilated. Possessing state-of- the-art, advanced airway management skills is, therefore, vital for anyone ultimately responsible for airway patency, whether physician, nurse or other qualified practitioner of anesthesiology or emergency and/or critical care medicine. These skills cannot be developed at the time of such an event; sufficient practice must occur prior to the event, when there is time to learn the fine points of using the ever-evolving devices created for just this clinical scenario. It is the only way to assure patient safety and the successful performance of the procedure. This program is designed to prepare the medical care provider to handle airway emergencies professionally, successfully and comprehensively. It is our intention to show a full spectrum of devices available at any moment in time and provide instruction and an opportunity for hands-on practice.