We have developed these bedhead signs based on reported patient safety incidents and these have been refined over several years. They are designed to have important information for emergency responders immediately available, not buried in notes. Key details include:
- Why the tracheostomy was performed
- How it was performed (Surgical or Percutaneous)
- When it was performed (the stoma will mature and make management easier over time)
- If there are any sutures in place and what these do
- If there was any difficulty with the upper airway and how this was managed (specific equipment of techniques)
Some examples of completed bedhead signs are shown below:
