What is the purpose of cricoid pressure during airway management?

• A. To prevent backflow of stomach contents into the trachea
• B. To relieve obstruction
• C. To measure tidal volume
• D. To visualize cords

Answer: (A)

Cricoid pressure, or the Sellick maneuver, is used during airway management to reduce the risk of aspiration by occluding the esophagus against the vertebral bodies. By pressing on the cricoid cartilage, the esophageal lumen is compressed, making it harder for any gastric contents to reflux into the pharynx and then into the trachea while induction is underway and protective airway reflexes are minimized. This is why the purpose is to prevent backflow of stomach contents into the trachea during induction or rapid sequence intubation.

Relieving obstruction isn’t the aim of this technique, and it doesn’t measure tidal volume or help visualize the vocal cords.