cricothyrotomy

Cricothyrotomy is a medical procedure used to create an emergency airway when a person can't breathe normally, often due to swelling, injury, or blockage in the throat. It involves making a small incision in the skin over the cricothyroid membrane, which is located between two specific thyroid cartilage structures in the neck. A tube is then inserted directly into the windpipe to allow air to flow into the lungs. This lifesaving technique is typically performed by trained professionals in urgent situations, such as during a severe allergic reaction or traumatic injury where other airway methods are ineffective.