Cricoid Pressure for the Medical Student

Healthcare providers worldwide utilise cricoid pressure to prevent aspiration of stomach contents upon induction to anesthesia. It is possible that a medical student may be asked to apply cricoid pressure during clinical rotations in a medical emergency. Based on an initial search, no medical school in the United States provides training in the technique of cricoid pressure. Workshop organisers at The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, (VCOM) Auburn Campus, implemented a voluntary program to train preclinical medical students in the Sellick maneuver of cricoid pressure. Organisers surveyed the 34 participants prior to the workshop to gauge their familiarity with the Sellick maneuver, then observed them applying cricoid pressure to a model. Medical professionals provided instruction in the Sellick maneuver then observed performance once again. All 34 of the participating students successfully performed the Sellick maneuver in the post-training assessment. Since medical professionals utilise this technique worldwide, and misapplication has an impact on patient safety, medical schools should consider integrating cricoid pressure training into their pre-clinical curriculum.