Book Review

An initial glance at the title of this book may have the majority of paramedics reaching for their JRCALC pocket book (still too big) to see if a clinical update had surreptitiously made its way into its hallowed pages. In actual fact, an increasing number of paramedics are able to perform surgical airways, as the everexpanding scope of practice for our profession continues to incorporate advanced clinical interventions.

Don’t assume for a moment that this text is reserved for those paramedics of the ‘critical care’ persuasion. It appeals to a much broader readership than that, as it addresses not only the performing of a tracheostomy and/or laryngectomy but also the management of the day-to-day needs of a patient with such an airway in situ. For paramedics in particular, information relating to associated complications and various ‘red flags’ are of specific relevance, not simply due to potential airway compromise but also recent initiatives to raise awareness of sepsis in our practice.

On that note, a list of competencies for those caring for tracheostomy patients has been developed and included in the text. Highlighting not only the importance of understanding the ‘mechanics’ of the procedure itself, but also the underlying A&P and the importance of being able to perform a structured respiratory assessment. Sound familiar?

The content has been produced by the UK National

Tracheostomy Safety Project and as you would reasonably expect, has been written from a position of well-informed clinicians in this field. It is also supported by an informative e-learning package via a well-designed website and additional hypertext links to various videos hosted on YouTube. Creative, and effective, publishing.

A recommended read for all paramedics, irrespective of their individual scope of practice.

Ewan Armitage, community paramedic officer, West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust