A stab in the dark! Are you ready to perform needle cricothyroidotomy?

The objective of this study was to assess the availability of pre-prepared equipment for needle cricothyroidotomy, and the knowledge of staff in its use in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in Great Britain. A telephone survey was undertaken of all A&E departments seeing more than 30,000 new patients per year. 184 hospitals were contacted. 98% of the doctors agreed to be interviewed. 47% of the departments had made provision for immediate use of needle cricothyroidotomy. 45% of the doctors interviewed were fully conversant in the use of needle cricothyroidotomy. Provision of equipment for immediate use of needle cricothyroidotomy in A&E departments is generally inadequate. All departments should ensure that such equipment is immediately accessible, and that the staff is regularly trained in its use.