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Review article: Medical guidelines

Vol. 152 No. 3738 (2022)

Swiss Latin Airway Guidelines: a holistic approach for improving airway management

  • Gabriele Casso 
  • Georges L. Savoldelli 
  • Christian Balmer 
  • Patrick Ravussin 
  • Patrick Schoettker
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4414/SMW.2022.w30225
Cite this as:
Swiss Med Wkly. 2022;152:w30225
Published
26.09.2022

Summary

Airway management is a core competency for many different medical specialties. Despite continuous improvements in equipment, clinical understanding, education and training, airway management complications remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several international airway management guidelines already exist, but there has never been a national consensus document for Switzerland. The Fondation Latine des Voies Aériennes (FLAVA) has developed a new set of airway management guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence and the authors’ extensive clinical experience. These recommendations are intended to guide and assist clinicians in managing a wide array of airway situations. They are applicable to the daily routine management of anticipated and unanticipated airway difficulties. The new 2022 FLAVA Airway Guidelines (FLAGs) combine cognitive aids for using the latest technical skills and non-technical skills. Specially-designed key mnemonics and ergonomic tools complement these guidelines, including a colour-coded airway cart.

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