Airway management refers to the techniques and procedures used to ensure that a person's airway remains open and unobstructed. This is crucial in medical emergencies, as a blocked airway can lead to serious complications, including suffocation. Common methods include the use of airway adjuncts, such as oropharyngeal airways and nasopharyngeal airways, which help maintain airflow. In more severe cases, healthcare providers may perform intubation, a procedure where a tube is inserted into the trachea to secure the airway. Proper airway management is essential in various settings, including emergency medicine, anesthesia, and critical care, to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.