• Anna-Katharina Haag, Alberto Tredese, Martina Bordini, Alexander Fuchs, Robert Greif, Clyde Matava, Thomas Riva, Tommaso Scquizzato, and Nicola Disma.
• Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
• Paediatr Anaesth. 2024 Jun 1; 34 (6): 495506495-506.

Background And ObjectivesChildren undergoing airway management during general anesthesia may experience airway complications resulting in a rare but life-threatening situation known as "Can't Intubate, Can't Oxygenate". This situation requires immediate recognition, advanced airway management, and ultimately emergency front-of-neck access. The absence of standardized procedures, lack of readily available equipment, inadequate knowledge, and training often lead to failed emergency front-of-neck access, resulting in catastrophic outcomes. In this narrative review, we examined the latest evidence on emergency front-of-neck access in children.MethodsA comprehensive literature was performed the use of emergency front-of-neck access (eFONA) in infants and children.ResultsEighty-six papers were deemed relevant by abstract. Finally, eight studies regarding the eFONA technique and simulations in animal models were included. For all articles, their primary and secondary outcomes, their specific animal model, the experimental design, the target participants, and the equipment were reported.ConclusionBased on the available evidence, we propose a general approach to the eFONA technique and a guide for implementing local protocols and training. Additionally, we introduce the application of innovative tools such as 3D models, ultrasound, and artificial intelligence, which can improve the precision, safety, and training of this rare but critical procedure.© 2024 The Authors. Pediatric Anesthesia published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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