New Page on Airway Management Errors & Intubation Negligence

Posted on May 01, 2015

This week we have launched a new informational page on our website to draw attention to an important aspect of medical malpractice that can cause catastrophic brain injury and/or death: Airway Management Malpractice. To help promote our new page, we decided to feature a quick summary in our Med Mal Blog.

Airway management is any technique that is employed to maintain a patient’s airway, as ongoing access to oxygen is crucial to avoid brain damage and eventually, death. Advanced airway management techniques (intubation, extubation, Tracheostomy, Tracheostomy management, etc.) are generally performed by physicians, RNs, or other health professionals that have been specially trained in airway management procedures.

Intubation involves inserting a tube into the patient’s throat / nasal cavities/ esophagus to ensure adequate breathing. Extubation involves the opposite, or removal of the tube that was inserted. Extubation is performed once a patient no longer needs assistance breathing or whenever a patient’s breathing tube must be cleaned, re-sized, or replaced.

Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure for patients that need long-term assistance breathing or are incapable of breathing on their own temporarily. With a Tracheostomy, a hole or ‘stoma’ is created in the trachea where a tube is inserted and fixed into place.

Despite extensive training, medical professionals are still capable of error. Unfortunately, errors in airway management often result in grave consequences. Permanent brain damage can occur within minutes of oxygen deprivation.

To read more about the common mistakes that are made in Tracheostomy Management / Intubation / Extubation Procedures, the potential consequences of these mistakes, and additional information with respect to how Weiss & Paarz can help – visit our Airway Management Malpractice page.

New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers Weiss & Paarz have been fighting for victims of medical malpractice and preventable permanent injuries for over 30 years. While we cannot prevent mistakes in airway management, we are experienced with this type of case and can help alleviate the resulting financial and emotional stress through achieving compensation. If you or a loved one has been a victim of intubation malpractice or airway management negligence, contact us today or call our office toll-free at 1-800-952-8444.