A discussion of concerns consistently raised with the Vortex Approach including: Should I still "cut the neck" if the saturations are 100%? Does the Vortex provide the option to "wake the patient"? Will the Vortex lead to an increased rate of emergency surgical airway? The Vortex cannot replace adequate planning, training & supervision. Is the Vortex too simplistic? Note that this video refers to an earlier version of the Vortex Approach which employs slightly different terminology and an altered graphic.

This video, produced by Simpact with the permission of Martin Bromiley, is primarily intended for the education of healthcare clinicians, particularly those involved in advanced airway management. By providing a more immersive, real-time version of events which includes some technical detail, the hope is that this video will increase the learning opportunities from the case by assisting airway clinicians to understand not just how these events could happen - but how they might happen to them. The video was made with the support of the Australian Centre for Health Innovation and was launched at the Society for Airway Management meeting in Seattle on Sept 20th 2014. It is important to recognise that many details of what transpired during this case are unknown. The depiction of unknown events has been based on the best estimate of expert clinicians. The scenario portrayed thus represents only one possible interpretation of the reported events and approximate timeline of the case. This video is not intended to depict the specific actions of particular individuals and as such, is a work of fiction. Written & Directed by Nicholas Chrimes

Using the circumstances of a real case as a starting point, this video demonstrates the use of a variety of cognitive aids & teamwork strategies, including the Vortex Approach, in managing an airway crisis. The video was produced by Simpact with the support of Martin Bromiley. Whilst the scenario portrayed initially uses the context of a real case, it is not possible to know whether the strategies used in the video would have actually influenced the the course of events in that particular case. The intention is that this video be used to illustrate, and initiate discussion about, approaches which might facilitate the efficient implementation of the technical aspects of difficult airway management in such a situation, by optimising teamwork and situational awareness during an emergency. Written & Directed by Nicholas Chrimes. Note that this video uses an earlier version of the Vortex Approach which employs slightly different terminology.