Simulation & Procedure

Objectives:Remember/Understand: Describe the key anatomical differences and physiological considerations that contribute to difficult airway scenarios in pediatric patients, particularly those in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Apply: Demonstrate the appropriate selection and use of age- and size-appropriate airway management equipment (e.g., endotracheal tubes, videolaryngoscopes, supraglottic devices) when confronted with simulated pediatric difficult airway cases. Analyze: Interpret airway assessment findings (e.g., predictors of difficult airway, craniofacial abnormalities, airway edema) and integrate these data points to formulate an individualized airway management plan for a critically ill pediatric patient. Evaluate/Create: Construct a systematic, stepwise approach to managing complex pediatric airway scenarios, including the identification of backup strategies, timely escalation to advanced techniques, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, and proper use of difficult airway algorithms in the PICU setting.