Ep 9: And She’s Buying an Airway to Heaven – Airway Management, Respiration & Ventilation Skills

Airway is everything in EMS, and this week the crew gets hands-on with one of the most critical skills an EMT can learn. Mike, Max, and Jonathan dive into airway anatomy, manual airway maneuvers, suction, BVM ventilation, oxygen delivery devices, and airway adjuncts. From recognizing stridor to mastering the head-tilt chin-lift, this episode connects classroom lessons to real-world lifesaving skills.

The guys also have some fun with Lord of the Rings pop culture references, highlight the i-gel supraglottic airway in Tools of the Trade, and share a student tip on practicing lung sounds early and often.

Episode Breakdown

00:59 – Medical Term of the Week: Stridor

12:00 – Airway management: why it comes first in ABCs

17:45 – Recognizing airway obstruction sounds (stridor, gurgling, wheezing, rales/crackles)

29:30 – Manual maneuvers: head-tilt chin-lift & jaw thrust

33:15 – Suction devices: Yankauer vs. Ducanto

41:20 – OPA vs. NPA and when to use them

48:05 – Supraglottic airways & ALS vs. BLS scope

55:00 – Bag valve mask ventilation techniques

1:02:00 – Oxygen delivery: nasal cannula vs. NRB mask

1:10:42 – Tools of the Trade: i-gel Supraglottic Airway

1:20:15 – Student Tip of the Week: Listen to lung sounds on everyone

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.

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🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links

www.ridealong.bulletn.net