| When a tracheostomy was performed in the past, it was usually performed in the operating room. Current practice often utilizes percutaneous tracheostomy, which is done at bedside. (2, 3) The tracheostomy tube is passed through an opening in the skin and trachea that is known as the stoma. In the event of impending respiratory failure or other complications that are predicted ahead of time the procedure may be performed in the Operating Room. However, in some EMS practices placing a surgical airway is within the normal scope of practice as a temporary or bridge device for a definitive airway. | | | | |
