The SALAD Technique Suction-Assisted Laryngoscopy (with simultaneous) Airway Decontamination

Improving emergency airway management for critically ill patients relies on techniques that enhance first-pass success, as serious complications in this setting occur with repeated attempts. The Suction-Assisted Laryngoscopy (with simultaneous) Airway Decontamination technique (“SALAD technique”) is intended to address the principal issues which cause the failure of basic and advanced airway management on the first attempt. The SALAD technique offers a stepwise method to manage a contaminated and swollen airway by utilizing the rigid suction catheter to remove airway contaminants while simultaneously creating space amidst swollen tissues of the airway in a simple and effective manner. The SALAD technique is applicable to basic airway management as well, as its principals and techniques apply to the use of face mask ventilation, oral airway insertion as well as the insertion and decontamination of supraglottic airways.

Target AudiencePhysicians and Nurses in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, Paramedics, and Rural GP’s

• Understand the principle behind pre-emptive suctioning of the airway
• Utilize the rigid suction catheter as both a suction device as well as a tool to open the airway for insertion of an oral airway, supraglottic airway, and laryngoscope
• Describe the strategy of utilizing the rigid suction catheter placed to the left of the laryngoscope to maintain hypopharyngeal decontamination during tracheal intubation (“SALAD park)
• Understand the strategy of deliberately creating the space for tracheal tube delivery with the index finger of the right hand (“SALAD poke”)

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