The cricothyroid membrane is located by palpation. Use a 14G or 16G IV catheter with a saline-filled syringe attached to pierce the membrane in a caudad direction. When air is aspirated, stop advancing the needle and insert the catheter.
Oxygen is administered via the cannula using a connector. This method assists oxygenation but not ventilation and is temporising until a definitive airway can be placed.
