Abstract
In the emergency unit, there may not be enough time for proper airway evaluation of a patient with respiratory distress. However, albeit fast, evaluation of head and neck mobility, lower jaw position, condition of teeth, mouth opening, mouth anatomy, and jaw-thyroid distance can contribute significantly to the correct management of the process. Based on these results, a decision can be made on how to manage the airway and how to proceed. If there is a finding of a difficult airway, a call for help should not be delayed. Ready-to-use “emergency airway management kit” is important. Determining whether the condition is a “difficult airway” is important because the “anticipated difficult airway” and “unanticipated difficult airway” approaches are different. There are numerous options for providing respiratory support to patients, and conservative approaches should be prioritized. Definitely, in addition to respiratory support with bag-masks, supraglottic airway devices, endotracheal tubes, and tracheostomy approach may also be processed without delay, in case of need. The aim of all procedures is to provide the patient with oxygen, which is indispensable for life. It should not be forgotten to avoid oxygen neglection during selecting the method, which requires least interventions and guarantees airway security. Consequently, in semi-urgent states, a more detailed evaluation of the patient is more appropriate.