Question

Which of the following is true about emergency cricothyrotomy?

A) Bleeding can be minimized by staying in the midline.
B) It requires a special kit, such as the Melker® emergency cricothyrotomy kit.
C) A full chlorhexidine prep with scrub for 30 seconds should be performed to prevent infection.
D) Uncuffed tubes are preferred as they slip in more easily.

Answer 1

The true statement about emergency cricothyrotomy is that bleeding can be minimized by staying in the midline. This procedure can be performed with basic surgical tools and does not always require a kit like the Melker. While an antiseptic technique is important, a full chlorhexidine scrub is not typically feasible in an emergent situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options provided regarding emergency cricothyrotomy, the statement that bleeding can be minimized by staying in the midline is true. During an emergency cricothyrotomy, precision is critical to avoid injury to adjacent structures and blood vessels. Therefore, making an incision in the midline decreases the risk of bleeding. While emergency kits like the Melker are helpful, they are not strictly required as an emergency cricothyrotomy can be performed with basic surgical tools in a dire situation. Due to the urgency of the situation, a full chlorhexidine prep is not feasible, although some level of antisepsis is attempted. The use of uncuffed tubes is not preferred over cuffed tubes; it generally depends on the specific clinical situation and the supplies available.