Management of airway obstruction

Key points• Patients with airway obstruction are high risk; they should be managed by senior anaesthetic and surgical staffs that have good technical and non-technical skills.• There is no universal ‘best approach’ with experts often providing differing opinions on optimal management.• The best outcomes are achieved by the right personnel using equipment with which they are familiar and skilled, at the right time, and in the right location.• Holding measures are often useful, allowing time to assemble team members, gain further information, and plan airway intervention.• Oxygen delivery utilising high-flow nasal cannula is revolutionising airway management and should be available