Cricothyroid membrane: find it before the emergency

Question 1When is ultrasound localisation of the cricothyroid membrane most useful?

1. aIn every routine intubation whatever the anatomy
2. bBefore airway management, when the landmarks are hard to feel
3. cAfter oxygenation has failed, before starting rescue
4. dOnly after the skin incision

Question 2In the midline long-axis view, what lies between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages?

1. aThe oesophagus
2. bThe carotid artery
3. cThe thyroid isthmus
4. dThe cricothyroid membrane

Question 3Why use a light hand on the probe?

1. aIt causes colour aliasing
2. bIt is needed only for Doppler
3. cHeavy pressure distorts the soft tissue and moves the skin over the landmark
4. dThe cartilage dissolves under pressure

Question 4The neck is repositioned after marking. What do you do?

1. aMark the carotid artery instead
2. bNothing, as the mark can never move
3. cCheck the mark again if time allows
4. dWipe it off and abandon the airway plan

Question 5Should ultrasound delay front-of-neck access in a can't intubate, can't oxygenate emergency?

1. aNo
2. bOnly for ten minutes
3. cYes, if a linear probe is in the room
4. dYes, until a clear image is saved