A. False.

B. False.

C. False.

D. True.

E. True.

Invasive mechanical ventilatory support requires a tracheostomy because a cricothyroidotomy tube is too small to facilitate effective ventilation. A cricothyroidotomy can be used to facilitate airway suction or to provide emergency oxygenation, either in a CICO scenario or placed 'just in case' prior to managing a predicted difficult airway. A cricothyroidotomy might facilitate easier management of an obstructing upper airway tumour but only a tracheostomy provides a long term or 'definitive' airway. Management of sputum retention requires attention to hydration, infection, physiotherapy and addressing underlying causes. Invasive suction can have a role: cricothyroidotomy may be adequate if this is all that is required, although a tracheostomy tube is likely to be better for long-term treatment, or if ventilatory support is also required.

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