Which emergency procedure involves placing a device to assist the airway in obstructed patients?

The procedure that involves placing a device to assist the airway in obstructed patients is endotracheal intubation. This technique is crucial in emergency situations when a patient's airway is compromised or when they are unable to maintain adequate ventilation on their own. Endotracheal intubation involves the insertion of a tube into the trachea, which allows for direct access to the airway and facilitates mechanical ventilation or oxygen delivery.

In addition to allowing for airway protection from aspirations and securing the airway, this procedure is commonly performed in critical emergencies, particularly when immediate intervention is necessary. It is considered both a life-saving maneuver and a standard practice in advanced airway management.

Other methods mentioned, such as LMA insertion and Combitube insertion, also serve as airway adjuncts but are typically used in specific contexts. LMA, or laryngeal mask airway, is generally used in patients with less critical airway obstruction or in cases where endotracheal intubation may be more difficult. The Combitube is designed for situations where failed intubation occurs, often in a pre-hospital setting.

Cricothyrotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision through the skin and membranes of the neck to establish an airway in life