Teaching airway management skills. How and what to learn and teach.

It is important to instruct all individuals involved in patient care in airway management. The degree of skills actually taught depends on the student. Currently, there are many options for teaching. Mannequin training is the one best suited to instruct a large number of students in a variety of skills. Training of surgical and obstetric residents improves relations, may improve patient safety, and educates these individuals regarding the risks of failed intubation. Actual clinical decisions regarding patient management are based on the airway examination. There is room for improvement in instruction, even in anesthesiology programs. Various techniques must be taught and practiced. As more anesthesiologists become trained and then train other physicians, the number of cases in the Closed Claims Study involving the airway will continue to decrease.