Breathe Easy: Equipping Care Teams for Complex Airway Success 2026

Event Description:  In-person lecture-based course given by experts across multiple disciplines including otolaryngology, respiratory therapy, and anesthesiology.  This course is designed to provide an overview of complex airways including tracheostomy and laryngectomy.  Topics will include key differences between tracheostomy and laryngectomy, precautions for each, cares, supplies, and emergency management.  

We plan to offer CME and ASHA credit for this course, we are still in the planning and approval stages (as of 4/1/26).

Learning Objectives:  
  1. Differentiate between tracheostomy and laryngectomy anatomy and function 
  2. Identify common equipment and supplies used in daily care 
  3. Perform routine tracheostomy and laryngectomy care safely 
  4. Recognize and respond to airway emergencies 
  5. Apply effective communication strategies for individuals with altered airways 
  6. Describe discharge planning and DME considerations across care settings 

Registration

Registration is set to open in early June.

Date/Time

October 8, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Full program below.

Location and Parking

Nighthorse Campbell Native Health, Shore Family Forum, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

13055 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045

Please park in the Barbara Davis Center visitor parking lot. You do need to pay to park. There is a 4 hour limit so please plan to renew at the stand or on the app. There is 8 hour paid parking available in the Henderson parking garage, it is just a further walk. For the campus parking map, click here

Program

Breathe Easy: Equipping Care Teams for Complex Airway Success 2026
1:00 - 1:20
Anatomy and Physiology of the Airway and Digestive Systems
1:20 - 1:50
Indications for Tracheostomy
1:50 - 2:20
Tracheostomy: Overview for Frontline Providers
2:20 - 2:50
Tracheostomy Supplies and Routine Care
2:50 - 3:10
Break
3:10 - 3:40
Laryngectomy Overview
3:40 - 4:10
Laryngectomy Supplies and routine care
4:10 - 4:40
Emergency Management
4:40 - 5:00
Communication Strategies
5:00 - 5:20
Case management and discarge planning
5:20 - 5:30
Break
 
Vendor Presentations

For questions, please contact Katie Schroder at [email protected]

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