Do Novices and Experts Hold a Laryngoscope Differently?

Yes, and it's all in the grip.

Direct laryngoscopy is a complex skill that requires both practice and proper instruction to master; however, specific teaching on handle grip and angle varies. A handle angle of 45° from horizontal is commonly taught as the best laryngoscope position for obtaining an optimal glottic view. To study differences in technique between expert and novice laryngoscopists, researchers took photographs during routine intubations of elective surgery patients (22 experts) and mannequins (22 experts and 21 novices).

All intubations were performed in full sniffing position with a Macintosh size 3 or 4 blade. Images were acquired at the point of maximal glottic exposure. Novices were medical students beginning an anesthesia rotation, and experts were atte…

Reviewing Authors

R. Eleanor Anderson, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

R. Eleanor Anderson, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Calvin A. Brown, III, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)

Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)

Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair

Calvin A. Brown, III, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)

Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)

Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair

Do Novices and Experts Hold a Laryngoscope Differently?

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Reviewing Authors