Patients who have a tracheostomy need the best and most appropriate help as quickly as possible. The initial response is the same for all tracheostomy patients:

• Call for airway expert help
  • Details on the bedhead sign
  • May be another member of the multi-disciplinary team
• Look listen and feel at the mouth and tracheostomy tube or stoma
  • Consider both of the two airways
  • Carry out standard airway opening manoeuvres for the upper airway
  • Apply a hand over the tracheostomy stoma or tube
  • Use capnography or a Waters circuit to help with assessment

Click on the play button to watch a video of initial assessment (look, listen and feel).