Pediatric Airway Management
Pediatric Airway Management is a core skill in pediatrics, emergency medicine, anesthesia, and critical care, yet the pediatric airway differs anatomically and physiologically from the adult airway in ways that can turn routine procedures into high-risk events. This session explores how to assess, secure, and protect the airway of infants and children in elective, urgent, and emergency settings. Participants will review age-specific anatomy, respiratory mechanics, and common scenarios such as bronchiolitis, croup, trauma, foreign-body aspiration, congenital anomalies, and perioperative compromise. Many clinicians search for a dedicated Pediatrics Conference to refine their decision-making, hands-on techniques, and team communication in high-stress situations.
A central focus is integrating airway assessment into routine practice before crises arise. Through case discussions, attendees will learn to identify early warning signs of deterioration, anticipate difficult airways, and choose appropriate positioning, devices, and backup plans. The session will address bag–mask ventilation optimisation, use of supraglottic devices, rapid-sequence induction considerations, and intubation strategies across age groups. It will also highlight the role of video laryngoscopy, capnography, and bedside ultrasound as adjuncts that enhance safety when used thoughtfully.
The session situates technical skills within broader pediatric respiratory emergency systems. Participants will explore structured airway algorithms, roles in resuscitation teams, simulation-based training, and debriefing practices that build confidence and reduce errors. Special attention is given to airway management outside tertiary centres, including transport environments, community hospitals, and resource-limited settings where equipment and specialist support may be constrained. Strategies for adapting guidelines, maintaining essential competencies, and creating realistic backup pathways will be emphasised.
The session will also examine post-intubation management, including sedation strategies, ventilator adjustments to protect the lungs, airway hygiene, and recognition of complications such as tube dislodgement, obstruction, or ventilator asynchrony. Participants will discuss extubation-readiness assessments and approaches to non-invasive support after extubation to reduce failure rates. Consideration will be given to children with chronic airway conditions, including those with tracheostomies, craniofacial syndromes, or neuromuscular weakness, and how proactive planning can reduce emergency presentations. Taken together, the content will empower teams to view airway management as a continuum that spans anticipation, intervention, stabilisation, and follow-up, always with the aim of preserving safety, comfort, and respiratory resilience for every child.
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Age-specific airway anatomy and physiology
- Recognising how head size, tongue proportion, laryngeal position, and airway calibre differ in children.
- Understanding how these differences influence positioning, device choice, and ventilation strategy.
Early recognition of airway compromise
- Identifying signs such as increased work of breathing, stridor, altered voice, and fatigue.
- Anticipating rapid deterioration in children with limited reserve.
Techniques for securing the airway
- Using bag–mask ventilation, supraglottic devices, and intubation safely across age ranges.
- Incorporating video laryngoscopy, capnography, and ultrasound to support decision-making.
Managing diverse airway emergencies
- Responding to infections, foreign bodies, trauma, and perioperative complications.
- Adapting approaches for children with congenital or chronic airway anomalies.
Practice Insights and Team-Based Approaches
Developing structured airway algorithms
Creating clear stepwise plans for routine and difficult airways.
Using simulation to build team readiness
Practising crisis scenarios, communication, and role clarity.
Embedding airway checks in daily care
Incorporating airway assessment into ward rounds and pre-procedure workflows.
Strengthening care in non-tertiary settings
Supporting community hospitals and transport teams with training and backup plans.
Optimising post-intubation care
Aligning sedation, ventilation, and monitoring to prevent complications.
Supporting families during airway crises
Communicating clearly, offering reassurance, and debriefing after critical events.
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