Rarely, both attempts to bag mask ventilate and intubate the patient are unsuccessful. This is known as a “Can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate” scenario. The acronym CICO is sometimes used.
This is an airway emergency. Children will rapidly desaturate, and cardiopulmonary arrest will ensue.
A surgical airway is required in these circumstances. A needle cricothyroidotomy is the preferred choice.