Difficult Airway: The Aftermath

Having a “difficult airway” is a very serious thing. Depending on the type and extent of problems associated with the airway, the situation could turn into a life-threatening one.

If you have ever been told you are a difficult airway, or a difficult intubation, it’s extremely important to gather all possible information about your airway from your anesthesiologist.

In order to standardize this process, the Anesthesia Patent Safety Foundation has developed a standard letter that can be filled out by your anesthesiologist. This letter explains to you (and any future anesthesia provider) exactly what occurred in managing your airway.

It’s a good idea to have multiple copies of this letter. Perhaps you can keep one yourself, give one to your primary physician, and place another in your medical record.

Some patients even get a safety alert bracelet, or carry a card in their wallet, explaining this very important part of their medical history.

Because the APSF has done a great job creating this difficult airway document, we saw no need to create our own version of the letter.

Here it is for you to download:

Difficult Intubation Letter

Have you been told you are a difficult airway? Please share your experience below.