Which method is used to prevent aspiration of stomach contents into the trachea?

• A. Cricothyroidotomy
• B. End Tidal carbon dioxide
• C. Cricoid pressure or Sellick's maneuver
• D. Neck extension

Answer: (C)

Preventing aspiration during airway management is addressed by occluding the esophagus to stop regurgitation as the airway is being secured. Cricoid pressure, known as the Sellick maneuver, achieves this by pressing the cricoid cartilage backward against the cervical spine, compressing the esophagus between the cricoid and the vertebrae. This creates a barrier that reduces the likelihood of stomach contents moving upward into the pharynx and trachea during induction, especially in rapid sequence induction when the airway is at high risk and not yet protected. The other options don’t address this esophageal seal: establishing a surgical airway via cricothyroidotomy, monitoring end-tidal CO2, or simply extending the neck to improve visualization do not prevent regurgitation into the trachea.