The Critical Response Team in Airway Emergencies.

Successful outcomes of airway emergencies (AEs) in the hospital depend on rapid recognition and intervention before patients become unstable. We describe our medical center's experience with a coordinated rapid response to AEs, including an illustrative case. This approach emphasizes early recognition of impending AEs and instantaneous activation of a team of specialists and operating room personnel to rapidly respond to AEs anywhere in our medical center.The literature on critical response teams for AEs is reviewed.