What Will You Learn

• Explain the rationale behind Maine EMS protocols for advanced airway management, particularly Protocol 7-2 and 7-3.
• Differentiate between the physiological goals of oxygenation and ventilation and the dangers of hyper- and hypoventilation in the prehospital setting.
• Justify the use of Supraglottic Airways (SGAs) as a frontline advanced airway strategy, citing relevant evidence from trials like PART and AIRWAYS-2.
• Describe the benefits and limitations of standard geometry video laryngoscopy (VL) and explain why Maine protocols prohibit hyperangulated blades.
• Demonstrate knowledge of best practices for manual Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) ventilation, including the two-person technique and the use of waveform capnography as a feedback tool.
• Recognize the critical importance of continuous waveform capnography for confirming airway placement, monitoring CPR quality, and ensuring patient safety during transport.
• Adapt airway management strategies for special populations, including pediatric, trauma, and patients with conditions like asthma/COPD, TBI, or stroke.
• Identify and apply system-level practices that contribute to airway excellence, such as pre-procedure checklists and quality assurance/improvement (QA/QI) processes.