Managing an expected or unanticipated difficult airway can result in morbidity and even mortality (Cook et al 2011). These scenarios place considerable demands on the anaesthetic team and require the wider support of theatre staff. It is crucial that the perioperative team is adequately prepared for these time-critical emergencies in order to prevent avoidable patient harm. This article introduces the topic and discusses the core knowledge and skills required of the perioperative team.
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