ABSTRACT
Indications Cricothyrotomy (cricothyroidotomy) is an emergency procedure recommended
for urgent, short-term airway control. It is the procedure of choice in patients who have a strong indication for intubation and in whom the trachea cannot be intubated for any reason. Common indications for an emergent surgical airway include:
1. failure to accomplish orotracheal intubation; 2. blunt or penetrating trauma to head, face or neck; and 3. loss of airway control.
