Airway Assessment and Management

BOC Domains of Athletic Training: Domain II - Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis Domain Ill - Critical Incident Management Domain IV - Therapeutic Interventions Presentation Description:  In this presentation, we focus on the assessment and management of airway issues in athletes. The audience will learn to identify abnormal airway sounds, perform effective assessments, and understand the utility of suction devices. Whether dealing with airway obstructions or other respiratory challenges, this knowledge is indispensable for athletic trainers and other healthcare providers. Learning Objectives: Explain causes and presentations of abnormal upper airway sounds. Discuss airway assessment procedures, manual maneuvers, and positioning. Explore the function and use of suction devices. Differentiate between rigid and soft suction catheters and their applications. Clinical Practice Gap Statement:  Despite their pivotal role in emergency scenarios, athletic trainers may not always possess the requisite expertise for rapid and precise airway assessment and management. This skill gap could compromise the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response, potentially leading to suboptimal care or even life-threatening situations for athletes. Filling this gap is essential for ensuring that trainers are fully equipped to handle airway-related emergencies proficiently. Clinical Bottom Line Statement:  Mastery in airway assessment and management constitutes a vital skill set for athletic trainers. Having this specialized knowledge not only accelerates the response time in critical instances but also elevates the quality of emergency care provided. It enhances the trainer's capacity to make sound clinical judgments, thereby optimizing patient outcomes. Summary Conclusion Statements: Expertise in airway assessment is fundamental to the practice of athletic training. A comprehensive understanding of how to use suction devices is crucial for effective airway management in emergencies. Skilled airway management enables athletic trainers to act swiftly and make data-driven decisions during critical moments.

        Lani Litchfield, MS, LAT, ATC, NREMT, has been a licensed Athletic Trainer since 2005 and currently holds the position of Head Athletic Trainer at Dutchtown High School, in addition to serving as an EMT Instructor in Geismar, Louisiana. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion and her Master's degree in Exercise Science, both from Louisiana Tech University. An active member of the Athletic Training Advisory Committee for the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, Litchfield contributes her expertise to regulatory and practice matters in the field. Her diversified experience in both clinical and on-field settings equips her with in-depth understanding and knowledge in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Additionally, her strong grounding in emergency medicine has empowered her to enhance the quality of emergency care at her school, reflecting a comprehensive approach to health and safety.

Action Medicine Consultants, LLC (BOC AP#: P12095) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of 0.75 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. GENERAL DISCLAIMER: It is the responsibility of the participant, relying on the independent expertise and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best treatment and method of application for the patient. Participants must use discretion when using the information contained within this presentation.  The presenter has provided the following regarding disclaimers: The information and content provided in this course are for informational purposes only. The presenter nor Action Medicine Consultants, LLC bears no liability for your use of this information and content. The views expressed in this course are those of the presenter(s). CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all presenters must disclose any financial or other associations with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or product(s) under investigational use.  This presentation does not involve the unlabeled use of a product or product under investigational use.  During the presentation, the presenter provides disclosure of any relevant financial relationships or other associations.  Refund Policy:  Live (virtual or in-person) Courses - Full refunds (Minus 10% for handling fees) are given after completion of the course if cancellation request is received 14 days prior to the course date. No refunds will be given after this deadline, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course. This also applies to virtual courses if a technical issue occurred on the presenter side that prevented a full presentation from being performed. On-Demand Courses - No refunds will be given, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course if there is a technical issue in Action Medicine Consultant's delivery of the course and in which no certificate of completion was issued.