Airway Management

With more than two decades of experience in establishing and teaching emergency medicine across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I have dedicated my career to strengthening emergency care, particularly in peripheral and resource-limited settings. Throughout this journey, one truth has remained clear: the most effective training for emergency physicians occurs not in lecture halls, but directly in the workplace—where real patients present with real urgency.

Workplace-based education is essential for emergency physicians, especially those serving in peripheral hospitals. These facilities often manage high patient volumes with limited specialist support, outdated equipment, or geographic isolation. In such environments, traditional didactic teaching alone cannot prepare physicians for the rapid, high-stakes decisions required in emergency care. On-the-job learning—through direct supervision, immediate feedback, case discussions, and simulation during actual shifts—builds clinical confidence, sharpens decision-making, and fosters resilience. It ensures that knowledge translates into competent, lifesaving action.

A powerful enabler of this approach is the wiki-sem.org initiative, which I strongly endorse. This open-access, collaborative platform provides evidence-based, continuously updated resources tailored for emergency practitioners. Physicians in remote locations can access protocols, procedures, and management guidelines right at the point of care, promoting standardized, high-quality practice across the Kingdom and reducing disparities between urban and peripheral hospitals.

Building on this foundation, I am currently leading a targeted training project for emergency medicine pathway physicians in the Eastern Region, focusing on advanced airway management. The goal is simple yet critical: to ensure that every emergency physician in our region is fully prepared to secure the airway in any life-threatening situation—be it severe trauma, respiratory failure, or cardiac arrest. Our curriculum draws heavily from trusted, comprehensive resources, including the detailed mechanical ventilation guidelines available at https://wikem.org/wiki/Mechanical_ventilation_(main). Through intensive hands-on workshops, simulation scenarios, and mentored practice, participants master advanced techniques such as endotracheal intubation, surgical airways, and ventilator management.

To further enhance the quality and outcomes of this training, we integrate Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) into the program. EPAs provide clear, observable milestones that define when a physician can be entrusted to perform critical tasks independently. By embedding EPAs, we align training with the principles of patient-based health care—delivering individualized, compassionate treatment—and value-based health care—achieving optimal outcomes while ensuring efficiency and resource stewardship.

Moving forward, we are excited to announce a series of courses based on the proven WikEM and wiki-based platforms. These quarterly programs, beginning in early 2026, will feature blended learning: accessible online modules through wiki-sem.org and in-person simulation sessions in Eastern Region hospitals. Open to emergency physicians nationwide, these courses aim to standardize advanced airway skills and promote continuous professional development.

In conclusion, workplace-based education, supported by innovative platforms like wiki-sem.org and focused training initiatives, is transforming emergency care in Saudi Arabia’s peripheral hospitals. By investing in our physicians’ readiness, we protect patients and strengthen the entire healthcare system—one airway, one life, at a time.