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Many patients with intraoral malignancy, craniofacial disorders and traumatic facial injuries present with a predicted difficult intubation. There should be a full range of equipment relating to the management of the anticipated difficult airway available within the theatre suite. This should include equipment for videolaryngoscopy, fibreoptic intubation, high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO), and equipment to perform front of neck access...

An adequate range of tracheostomy tubes, including adjustable flange tubes with inner tubes, should be stocked and standardised within the hospital.^11,16

The use of LASERs during head and neck surgery is common. Where lasers are in use, the correct safeguards, in accordance with BS EN 60825, must be in place.¹³ Theatre door screening and LASER warning systems must be provided. The appropriate wavelength specific protective eye goggles must be worn.^15,20

When undertaking specialist techniques, such as high frequency jet ventilation in laryngotracheal surgery, the appropriate equipment and training to safely undertake this should be available.

Preoperative nasendoscopy equipment should be available to aid the identification of the difficult airway and to enable advance planning for anticipated problems.^1,7

When transferring patients requiring postoperative care in a critical care facility additional equipment should be available. This should include portable non-invasive and invasive monitoring, emergency transfer packs, portable ventilators, and end tidal CO₂ monitoring.^7,20

Any clinical area caring for patients with a tracheostomy should provide the recommended bedside equipment and the locally ‘immediately available’ emergency equipment, as indicated in the UK National Tracheostomy Safety Project Guide.^11,22

The use of bedhead signage to indicate which patients are not suitable for bag-mask ventilation and/or oral intubation in the event of emergencies is advised.²²

The treatment of neonates, young children with significant comorbidity and children with complex surgical conditions should be provided in specialist paediatric facilities, unless immediate emergency care is required prior to transfer to a specialist paediatric unit.

In an emergency situation involving a child requiring anaesthesia for an airway or head and neck procedure, the most experienced available anaesthetist and surgeon would be expected to provide life-saving care when transfer to a specialist facility is not feasible.