Airway Assessment

Top tip!

The easiest way to assess your patient’s airway is by getting them to speak. If they respond in clear full sentences, you know they have a patent airway, but also that they are conscious and have adequate blood pressure and oxygen levels to perfuse the brain.

An unresponsive patient or patient with grossly abnormal breathing or no breathing or no palpable pulse = CARDIAC ARREST

Dial 2222

What does a patient with an airway obstruction look like? 

  1. Agitated, confused or drowsy

  2. Central cynosis

  3. Stridor, gurgling or noisy breathing

  4. Poor air entry

  5. Use of accessory muscles

  6. Peripheral cynosis

Go on to use look, listen and feel to complete an airway assessment:

  • Look

    Is there respiratory effort?
    Is the mask misting during exhalation?
    Is there tracheal tug?
    Is there paradoxical breathing present?
    Is there central cyanosis?
    Can you see any secretions or foreign body blocking the airway?

  • Listen

    Can you hear breath sounds?
    Can you hear any abnormal sounds?

  • Feel

    Can you feel any air movement when you place your hand or arm in front of the patient’s mouth?