Analysis of Cricoid Pressure Force and Technique Among Anesthesiologists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Registered Nurses

PurposeThe purpose of this project was to assess the ability of anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and registered nurses to correctly identify anatomic landmarks of cricoid pressure and apply the correct amount of force.DesignThe project included an educational intervention with one group pretest-post-test design.MethodsParticipants demonstrated cricoid pressure on a laryngotracheal model. After an educational intervention video, participants were asked to repeat cricoid pressure on the model.FindingsParticipants with a nurse anesthesia background applied more appropriate force pretest than other participants; however, post-test results, while improved, showed no significant difference among providers. Participant identification of the correct anatomy of the cricoid cartilage and application of correct force were significantly improved after education.ConclusionThis study revealed that participants lacked prior knowledge of correct cricoid anatomy and pressure as well as the ability to apply correct force to the laryngotracheal model before an educational intervention. The intervention used in this study proved successful in educating health care providers.