Airway difficulties caused by improperly applied cricoid pressure.

Cricoid pressure, when properly applied, may prevent gastric regurgitation and may improve the view of laryngoscopy. When improperly applied, however, it can impede laryngoscopy and mask-ventilation. When faced with a "cannot intubate" or "cannot mask-ventilate" situation, clinicians should reevaluate the manner with which the assistant is applying cricoid pressure and must be prepared to adjust or even to release it.