Cuffed tubes Cuffed tubes have a soft balloon around the distal end of the tube which inflates to seal the airway (Figure 4.1). Cuffed tubes are necessary when positive pressure…

Introduction Error is inevitable, but harm is not Sarah Corcoran, Associate Director of Clinical Effectiveness, Central Manchester Foundation Trust, 2009 This manual provides information and resources for the safe management…

Figure 12.2 Figure 12.3 Figure 12.4

Tracheostomy care: competency assessment criteria COMPETENCY STATEMENTDemonstrates safe practice for patients requiring a tracheostomy and dealing with tracheostomy emergencies Key skills Assessment criteria 1. Demonstrates an understanding of the anatomy…

Complications associated with a tracheostomy Complications can be divided into those associated with insertion of the tracheostomy (surgical or percutaneous), those that arise following the procedure (usually blocked or displaced…

What is a tracheostomy? Tracheostomies are performed in head and neck surgical practice, with over 5000 procedures performed yearly in England. We estimate around 10 000–15 000 percutaneous tracheostomies are…

Introduction In order to safely care for patients with tracheostomies in our hospitals, we need to address the organisation and infrastructure of the clinical areas where patients with tracheostomies and…

What should you do if you detect a red flag? A prompt assessment of the tracheostomy and the patient should be made by someone who is competent to do so….