Respiratory emergencies and airway management in childhood

Abstract

Respiratory emergencies in childhood are frequent, therefore every physician involved in acute medical care of children should be trained in the recognition and treatment of respiratory emergencies. A structured approach according to the ABC guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council helps to identify, classify and treat such emergencies depending on severity. For airway management it is important to be familiar with alternative devices and techniques in case of difficult bag-mask ventilation and difficult intubation to be able to provide the child with sufficient oxygenation in every situation.