Needle cricothyroidotomy

Performing needle cricothyroidotomy:

• (A) The needle (14 gauge without needleless safety feature) is angled caudally at 30 to 45 degrees and inserted through the cricothyroid membrane until bubbles are seen in the fluid-filled syringe, indicating puncture of the trachea.

• (B) The catheter is advanced to the hub as the needle and syringe are removed.

• (C) The catheter is secured in place and connected to a self-inflating ventilation bag; options include a 3-0 endotracheal tube adaptor attached directly to the 14 Ga catheter hub as shown or a 7-0 endotracheal tube adaptor attached to the barrel of a 3 cc syringe which is then attached to the catheter (not shown).