Signs of respiratory inadequacy

• Tachypnoea
• Increased work of breathing (intercostal, subcostal or suprasternal recession; use of accessory muscles)
• Respiratory noises (wheeze, stridor, grunting)
• Desaturation (SpO2 <92%)
• Reduced chest expansion
• Reduced air entry
• Cyanosis
• Secondary signs: tachy or bradycardia, colour change - pale or blue, cool peripheries, altered mental state

Signs of circulatory inadequacy   

• Tachycardia, bradycardia
• Hypotension (hypotension is a late and preterminal sign)
• Delayed capillary refill
• Reduced pulse volume
• Secondary signs - tachypnoea (especially if no increased work of breathing) or bradypnoea; altered conscious state; colour change - Pallor or cyanosis

Airway Sizing

Sizing: from centre of mouth to angle of the jaw   Insert in the position it will lie in (concave side down and do not rotate)   Insert under direct vision with tongue depression

Airway opening manoeuvres

Head tilt, chin lift
Jaw thrust