The CPG committee has developed an Emergency airway management in COVID-19 context CPG.

This guideline applies to all patients requiring intubation in ED, and all patients with respiratory failure in paediatric and neonatal ICU requiring airway management. It must be read in conjunction with the Emergency airway management CPG

The Key points for the CPG are

1. Case definitions for COVID-19 infection may differ in each State: NSW, Qld, Vic
2. Airway management may cause aerosolisation of virus; use airborne precautions (PPE including N95 mask) and management must occur in the highest level of isolation available. This should be discussed with a senior clinician and/or ICU
3. The most experienced airway team available should manage the airway

The CPG forms part of suite of airway CPGs covering: Emergency airway management; Can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate; Inhaled foreign body; and Acute upper airway obstruction