Airway obstruction can be made less likely, and its impact lessened, by good preparation and smooth anaesthesia practice:

1. Check all equipment prior to use
2. Formally pre-oxygenate all patients prior to anaesthetic induction; sitting up 20-30 degrees increases FRC
3. Identify patients at high risk of airway obstruction; consider regional anaesthesia or secure the airway awake
4. Where possible choose anaesthetic drugs that decrease airway reflexes as appropriate