CCC Critical Care Compendium 680 2
Anatomy for bronchoscopy

Airway anatomy is central to both diagnosis and management in critical care, encompassing the upper airway (e.g. laryngoscopy, airway protection and patency) and the lower airway (e.g. bronchoscopy and respiratory pathology). Bronchoscopy relies on maintaining orientation within the airway, recognising normal anatomy and common variants, and identifying abnormalities using key landmarks from the vocal cords to the segmental bronchi—you do not need to know anatomy, you need to be able to find it!

CCC Critical Care Compendium 680 2
Patient preparation for ICU bronchoscopy

Patient preparation is vital for performing bronchoscopy safely in the ICU. Key considerations include: time out, consent, and patient monitoring, patient and equipment positioning, consideration of awake versus intubated & sedated bronchoscopy, medications, ventilator settings, and effective teamwork including prebrief.

CCC Critical Care Compendium 680 2
Haemoptysis

Haemoptysis is the expectoration of blood originating from the respiratory tract below the vocal cords, ranging from minor blood-streaked sputum to life-threatening haemorrhage.

LITFL CCC SMILE2 340
Followership

Followership is a critical competency that enhances team performance, patient safety, and error prevention through active engagement, adaptability, speaking up, mutual monitoring, and collaborative support. However, effective followership also depends on supportive leadership and organisational culture.