Airway management mnemonic

Checklist of equipment to prepare before intubation

The mnemonic

SOAP ME

What each word stands for

  • SSuction
  • OOxygen source and delivery device
  • AAirway equipment — laryngoscope, tubes, bougie
  • PPharmacy — drugs for induction and resuscitation
  • MMonitors — ECG, pulse oximetry, BP, capnography
  • EEquipment for rescue, such as a supraglottic device

Why it matters clinically

Ensures everything is ready and working before drugs are given.

Where it stops being reliable

A preparation list; it does not cover the intubation technique itself.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Airway management mnemonic?

SOAP ME. It helps you recall: Checklist of equipment to prepare before intubation.

What does "S" stand for?

Suction

What does "O" stand for?

Oxygen source and delivery device

What does "A" stand for?

Airway equipment — laryngoscope, tubes, bougie

What are all the parts of the SOAP ME mnemonic?

S: Suction; O: Oxygen source and delivery device; A: Airway equipment — laryngoscope, tubes, bougie; P: Pharmacy — drugs for induction and resuscitation; M: Monitors — ECG, pulse oximetry, BP, capnography; E: Equipment for rescue, such as a supraglottic device.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Airway management in Anaesthesia.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A preparation list; it does not cover the intubation technique itself.

How is this useful clinically?

Ensures everything is ready and working before drugs are given.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anaesthesia question about Airway management.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.