Ventilation following narrow bore cricothyroidotomy requires a high pressure source between 1-4 atmospheres delivered from cylinders or wall sources (both sources are 4 atmospheres). This is to overcome the very high internal resistance of the cannula. The high pressure is dissipated through the resistance of the device.

Expiration is not possible through a narrow bore device (not enough pressure to overcome resistance) and must be via a patent upper airway.

Find out in your hospital which devices are prepared for this rescue technique.