FRCA Curriculum – Airway

Competence	Source Curriculum	Description
AM_BK_01	Basic	Explains the methods commonly used for assessing the airway to predict difficulty with tracheal intubation [Ref; OA_BK_05]
AM_BS_01	Basic	Demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in performing a relevant clinical examination and assessment of the airway and dentition [Cross Ref; intra-operative]
AM_IK_02	Intermediate	Discusses the identification and assessment of pathology in or around the airway, including History and examination Anaesthetic chart review Interpretation of investigations such as lateral C-spine X-ray, cross sectional imaging of the upper airway (MRI/CT), flow volume loops Discussion with surgeons
AM_BS_02	Basic	Identifies normal appearances and significant abnormalities in radiographs including: Cervical spine, chest Head CT and MRI showing clear abnormalities relevant to the airway [Cross Ref; intra-operative]
AM_BK_02	Basic	Describes the effect of pre-oxygenation and knows the correct technique for its use [Cross Ref;induction of GA]
AM_BK_03	Basic	Describes the principles of management of the airway including techniques to keep the airway open and the use of facemasks, oral and nasopharyngeal airways and laryngeal mask airways [Cross Ref; induction of GA]
AM_IK_10	Intermediate	Discuss the risks and benefits of using various supraglottic airways for IPPV
AM_BK_04	Basic	Explains the technique of inhalational induction and describes the advantages and disadvantages of the technique. [Cross Ref; induction of GA]
AM_BK_05	Basic	Knows the factors influencing the choice between agents for inhalational induction of anaesthesia [Cross Ref; induction of GA]
AM_BK_06	Basic	In respect of tracheal intubation: Lists its indications Lists the available types of tracheal tube and identifies their applications Explains how to choose the correct size and length of tracheal tube Explains the advantages/disadvantages of different types the laryngoscopes and blades including, but not exclusively, the Macintosh and McCoy Outlines how to confirm correct placement of a tracheal tube and knows how to identify the complications of intubation including endobronchial and oesophageal intubation Discusses the methods available to manage difficult intubation and failed intubation Explains how to identify patients who are at increased risk of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration and knows the measures that minimise the risk Understands the airway management in a patient with acute illness who is at risk of gastric reflux Categorises the signs of pulmonary aspiration and the methods for its emergency management
AM_BK_07	Basic	In respect of restoring spontaneous respiration and maintaining the airway at the end of surgery: Explains how to remove the tracheal tube and describes the associated problems and complications Recalls/describes how to manage laryngospasm at extubation Recalls/lists the reasons why the patient may not breathe adequately at the end of surgery Recalls/identifies how to distinguish between the possible causes of apnoea Lists the possible causes of postoperative cyanosis Understands how to evaluate neuro-muscular block with the nerve stimulator [Cross Ref; post-operative]
AM_BK_08	Basic	With respect to oxygen therapy: Lists its indications Knows the techniques for oxygen therapy and the performance characteristics of available devices Describes the correct prescribing of oxygen Recalls/explains the causes and management of stridor [Cross Ref; post-operative]
AM_BK_09	Basic	Discusses the indications for RSI [Cross Ref; intra-operative]
AM_BK_10	Basic	Describes the care of the airway in an unconscious patient in the recovery room, including safe positioning [Cross Ref; post-operative]
AM_BK_11	Basic	Lists advantages and disadvantages of different techniques for airway management during resuscitation, including but not limited to: Oro and nasopharyngeal airways Laryngeal Mask type supraglottic airways including but not limited to: LMA, Proseal, LMA supreme, iGel Tracheal intubation [Cross Ref; management of respiratory and cardiac arrest]
AM_BK_12	Basic	Compares the methods by which ventilation can be maintained in a patient suffering a respiratory or cardiac arrest, using: Mouth to mask Self-inflating bag Anaesthetic breathing system Mechanical ventilator [Cross Ref; management of respiratory and cardiac arrest]
AM_BK_13	Basic	Discusses the different types of laryngoscope blades available in routine practice and the indications for their use
AM_BK_14	Basic	Outlines the advantages/disadvantages and reasons for development of new laryngoscopes [e.g. glidescope]
AM_BK_15	Basic	Outlines the indications for fibre-optic intubation and how awake intubation may be achieved
AM_IK_01	Intermediate	Lists the risks associated with awake fibreoptic endotracheal intubation and describe the process of obtaining consent for this procedure
AM_BK_16	Basic	Describes the management of the ‘can’t intubate, can’t ventilate’ scenario
AM_BK_17	Basic	Describes the principles of, and indications for, the use of needle crycothyrotomy and manual jet ventilation
AM_IK_13	Intermediate	Describes the principles of jet ventilation [Cross Ref; ENT]
AM_IK_12	Intermediate	Describes the safe use of equipment and airways devices used for surgery on and below the vocal chords, including bronchoscopes, Venturi devices and fibre-optic scopes [Cross Ref; ENT]
AM_BS_03	Basic	Reliably predicts the level of supervision they will require [Cross Ref; intra-operative]
AM_IK_03	Intermediate	Outlines the anaesthetic management of potential threats to the airway, including External compression Foreign body, blood clots, masses Inhalational injury, inflammation Blunt and penetrating trauma [Cross Ref; ENT]
AM_IK_04	Intermediate	Lists the indications for tracheostomy [Cross Ref; ENT]
AM_IK_05	Intermediate	Outlines the anaesthetic principles for tracheostomy [Cross Ref ENT]
AM_IK_06	Intermediate	Describes the management of the obstructed/misplaced tracheostomy
AM_IK_07	Intermediate	Describes the specialised airway techniques used for laser surgery in, or near, the airway [Cross Ref; ENT]
AM_IK_08	Intermediate	Describes the causes, pathophysiology and management of obstructive sleep apnoea and the surgical procedures used to treat it [Cross Ref; ENT]
AM_IK_09	Intermediate	Outline appropriate follow up of an unexpected difficult intubation
AM_IK_11	Intermediate	Describes the airway management of a patient undergoing one-lung ventilation and anaesthesia, including placement of double lumen endobronchial tubes and bronchial blockers [Cross Ref; cardiothorcics]
AM_IK_14	Intermediate	Recalls the principles underlying the use of helium [Cross Ref; ENT]