The Vortex Approach
Jan 28, 2024The Vortex Approach: Simple. Familiar. Universal. π
When we give patients general anaesthetic drugs, they often become apnoeic, meaning that we must provide oxygen for them. This is when we enter The Vortex! πͺπͺ
The Vortex Approach describes:
π Lifelines (Are the only 3 ways to provide oxygen via the mouth)
π Bag-Mask Ventilation (BMV),
π Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)
π Endotracheal Tube (ETT).
π Lifeline Optimisation (How to ensure a “best attempt”)
π Maximum attempts (No more than 3 for each lifeline)
π The Green Zone (the zone of relative safety where your lifeline has succeeded)
CICO Rescue
So why is The Vortex Approach so widely implemented? π€
πΊIt creates a shared mental model of airway management. π
πΊVortex airway rescue trolleys are organised, uncluttered and well labelled. β
πΊUse of simple cognitive aids, prompts and visual cues that can be easily taught and implemented. π
πΊUses standardised language to improve situational awareness of airway emergencies. π¨
πΊFacilitates early recognition and preparation for the need for CICO rescue. π«‘
That’s The Vortex Approach in a nutshell!
Check out our Anaesthetic Assistant Starter Course for our Zoom recording on using The Vortex Approach for managing the unexpected difficult airway, presented by Dr Jack! π¨π«
Build knowledge. β
Improve safety. β
Ref: https://vortexapproach.org/
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