This hands-on cadaver course will take place in the surgical skills lab and the simulation high-fidelity manikin suite and will be taught by expert faculty. Initially this course will concentrate on safe airway control for common and complex presentations in the emergency room. Airway control for the neuro-critical unstable patient that needs intubation will be practiced using the vortex approach to airway management. A surgical cricothyroidotomy technique will also be practiced. The SALAD (Suction-Assisted Laryngoscopy and Airway Decontamination) technique, a method for managing a contaminated airway during intubation, particularly when dealing with fluids and or food obstructing the view of the larynx, will be practiced using a synthetic task trainer. Other emergency procedures will be practiced using cadaver and synthetic trainers including a lateral canthotomy, central venous access, thoracic thoracostomy and intercostal catheter insertion and securing. There will be a demonstration by faculty of an open thoracotomy. The acquired skills will be incorporated into simulated high-fidelity scenarios for further team skills and decision-making practice of emergency presentations.

Learning outcomes:

After doing this course you will:

• Increase your proficiency in emergency airway management.
• Gain more confidence in teamwork in stressed emergency scenarios.
• Improve your skills in securing vascular and respiratory access in an emergency.
• Gain knowledge of the steps to emergency procedures in the emergency room.