Over the years, airway technology has significantly evolved. Nevertheless, even with new technology, negative outcomes and compromises in patient safety regarding airway management have occurred. The 4th National Audit Project (NAP4) and the ASA Closed Claims Project have shown deficiencies in two areas. The first area is the technical aspect of knowing how to use the equipment and its availability. The second is the non-technical aspect, or human factor, such as clinical judgement, situational awareness, communication and teamwork. The mission of the Society for Airway Management (SAM) is to improve patient safety in airway management through technology, training and collaboration.
SAM is an international subspecialty organization composed of a multidisciplinary group of physicians and non-physicians who are involved in and interested in airway management. Our members consist of physician anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, critical care physicians, pulmonologists, pre-hospital emergency medical personal and others. Many inventors of airway equipment are involved with...
