Pediatric Rapid Sequence Intubation

every day; however, none is more important than effective airway management. The loss of an airway is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in severely ill or injured children. It may occur suddenly, without any warning, and requires immediate action; therefore, all emergency medicine physicians must possess knowledge of the management of an airway using rapid sequence intubation (RSI) and alternative techniques. One must know the differences between the adult and pediatric airways, the indications for RSI, the characteristics of a difficult airway, the different options for sedation and muscle relaxation, the mechanisms for confirming proper airway placement, and the alternatives available when RSI is unsuccessful. — The Editor Introduction