The CPG committee has developed a Management of can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate (CICO) airway emergency CPG.
The Key points for the CPG are
- Can’t Intubate Can’t Oxygenate (CICO) situations are life threatening emergencies due to airway obstruction that require immediate Front of Neck Access (FONA) to the trachea
- True CICO emergencies in children are rare. Ensure all reversible causes of airway obstruction such as laryngospasm and upper airway obstruction have been corrected, and the indications for a CICO emergency have been met prior to performing FONA
- Continue attempting oxygenation via facemask with an oropharyngeal airway while the CICO equipment is mobilised and while the FONA is performed
- Equipment required to perform FONA must be pre-prepared in all intubating locations
The CPG forms part of suite of airway CPGs covering: Emergency airway management; Emergency airway management in COVID-19 context; Inhaled foreign body; and Acute upper airway obstruction