British journal of anaesthesia
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Using an airway management training model, we have assessed anaesthesia personnel in their use of correct cricoid force and ability to retain this skill after a short training programme. A perspex device, working on a hydraulic principle, was used to measure cricoid pressure when applied to the model. After initial assessment at two levels of cricoid force (20 and 40 N), participants undertook additional training on 3 consecutive days. ⋯ This trend improved after training. We conclude that the majority of untrained personnel apply inadequate cricoid force, placing patients at risk of aspiration of gastric contents. While a simple training programme improved application of cricoid force, retained for up to 3 weeks, there was often a substantial decrease in the force applied to the cricoid during a single application, even after training.