• Guideline - throat packs
  Link:www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/EasySiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=60207&type=full&servicetype=Attachment
  
• Recommendations
• Procedures involving visual checks
• Label or mark patient
• Head label
• Artificial airway label
• Leave part of pack protruding
• Tie pack to airway
• Procedures involving documentary checks
• Two-person check
• Record insertion and removal on swab board
• Use the WHO checklist
  Link:www.frcamindmaps.org/whochecklist.html
  
• A least 1 visual-based and 1 documentary-based procedure is applied whenever a throat pack is used
• All staff should be informed of locally chosen procedures
• Decision to use justified by surgeon or anaesthetist. This person should assume responsibility
• Insertion indications
• Absorb materials created by surgery
• Prevent fluids entering the lungs or oesophagus
• Prevent escape of gases
• Stabilise airways