Introduction

 

 

Problems with airway management (AM) during induction and maintenance of anesthesia and emergence and recovery from anesthesia may cause injuries (7, 11) and severe morbidity and mortality (17). Many of these adverse events are preventable, provided that there are adequate equipment availability, familiarity with the devices and techniques, and formulated strategies for difficult airway (DA) management (12).

 

The American Society of Anesthesiologists task force on DA management already advocated the availability of a DA cart or an equivalent unit for all anesthetizing locations in their landmark publication, published in 1993 (2). They should contain alternative and evaluated backup devices for the management of difficult face-mask ventilation and conventional tracheal intubation.

 

There are no data available on equipment availability for AM at anesthesia departments in Austria. In a comprehensive survey questionnaire, questions were also prepared to evaluate their preparatory provisions for DA management. This study was intended to establish a basis for improvements.

 

 

Materials and Methods