Learning to apply effective cricoid pressure using a part task trainer.

An anatomically-correct model of a larynx inside a head and neck model was constructed so that the location, direction and amount of force applied to the neck could be measured. Fifty trained staff from three general hospitals were then asked to apply cricoid pressure on the model. None was able to state the force that should be applied (30 N), and only five (10%) actually applied cricoid pressure effectively. After training using the model, 45 (90%) applied cricoid pressure correctly (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that improved training in cricoid pressure is needed and supports earlier researchers who suggested that this can be achieved using simulators.