Tutorial presented by John Bayliss, Paramedic and Resuscitation Officer, East of England Ambulance Service

This tutorial covers three key themes related to prehospital tracheostomy care:

1. Acute Events and Chronic Care Failures
   • Tracheostomy-related emergencies are rare and often stem from a breakdown in the patient’s routine care.
   • Patients may require ambulance clinician support even if the issue isn’t directly related to the tracheostomy, as they are still vulnerable to other medical and trauma emergencies.
2. Use of the JRCALC Algorithm
   • The JRCALC algorithm (linked below) provides a standardised approach to managing tracheostomy-related emergencies.
   • Whether in paper or electronic form, the algorithm acts as a step-by-step aid to support airway management and deliver optimal care.
3. Variations in Community Support
   • Community support for tracheostomy care varies across regions, including specialised tracheostomy teams, urgent care networks, and clinical support desks.
   • Ambulance clinicians should familiarise themselves with available local resources and use tools like the patient’s tracheostomy passport, which contains vital information about their care and support networks.