Cricoid Pressure: The Pressure is ON!

Abstract

For many years Cricoid pressure (CP) has been a standard of care during induction of anaesthesia in emergency situations and where the patient is deemed at risk for aspiration of stomach contents (Rapid Sequence Induction or RSI). This review will examine the technique and its history; discuss the usual arguments presented as justification for abandoning CP and review recent evidence of its usefulness and efficacy.

Keywords

• Sellicks Manoeuvre
• cricoid pressure
• general anaesthesia