Cricothyroidotomy for Can’t Intubate, Can’t Oxygenate Situation in Emergency Department

Airway emergencies represent some of the most time-critical and high-stress situations in emergency and critical care practice. Cricothyroidotomy, though infrequently performed, remains the definitive lifesaving procedure when conventional airway management fails in a "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate" (CICO) scenario. This viewpoint discusses a real-life experience of performing bougie-assisted cricothyroidotomy in a patient with tetanus-induced trismus, reviews the technical aspects of the procedure, and highlights the importance of preparedness, simulation training, and equipment readiness. Despite its rarity, the procedure's successful execution can be the difference between life and death, emphasizing the need for continuous skill maintenance among emergency and critical care professionals.