Closed cords, open minds: Mastering laryngospasm management
Tracks
Concurrent Stream Two
| Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Fitzroy Ballroom |
Overview
Associate Professor Vera Meeusen
Details
Laryngospasm is a rare but potentially life-threatening airway emergency that can occur during sedation and procedural care, including in the endoscopy setting. For gastroenterology nurses, early recognition and a calm, coordinated response are critical to preventing patient harm.
This presentation will build practical understanding of laryngospasm—what it is, why it occurs, and how to identify early warning signs. Using real-world scenarios relevant to gastroenterology practice, the session will focus on immediate management strategies, escalation pathways, and the vital role of the nurse within the multidisciplinary team. Participants will leave with increased confidence to recognise laryngospasm promptly, respond effectively, and contribute to safer airway management in the endoscopy unit.
Speaker
A/Prof Vera Meeusen
The Wesley Hospital - Operating Theatres
Closed cords, open minds: Mastering laryngospasm management
Abstract
Laryngospasm is a rare but potentially life-threatening airway emergency that can occur during sedation and procedural care, including in the endoscopy setting. For gastroenterology nurses, early recognition and a calm, coordinated response are critical to preventing patient harm.
This presentation will build practical understanding of laryngospasm—what it is, why it occurs, and how to identify early warning signs. Using real-world scenarios relevant to gastroenterology practice, the session will focus on immediate management strategies, escalation pathways, and the vital role of the nurse within the multidisciplinary team. Participants will leave with increased confidence to recognise laryngospasm promptly, respond effectively, and contribute to safer airway management in the endoscopy unit.
This presentation will build practical understanding of laryngospasm—what it is, why it occurs, and how to identify early warning signs. Using real-world scenarios relevant to gastroenterology practice, the session will focus on immediate management strategies, escalation pathways, and the vital role of the nurse within the multidisciplinary team. Participants will leave with increased confidence to recognise laryngospasm promptly, respond effectively, and contribute to safer airway management in the endoscopy unit.
Biography
Associate Professor Vera Meeusen is the Clinical Nurse Manager of Operating Theatre at The Wesley Hospital. She started as Nurse Anaesthetist working in The Netherlands. After obtaining her degree as Master of Arts in Health Care, she continued her career as a manager in the perianaesthesia settings and worked as Clinical Nurse Consultant in an Endoscopy Unit for 7 years. Vera’s PhD in Medicine research focused on workload, job satisfaction, personality profiles, and the history of nurse anaesthetists in Europe.
Vera was the Clinical Advisor of the project Flexible Models of Sedation for Low-risk endoscopic Procedures in Queensland and author of the Australian sedation nurse training guideline. She has presented at national and international conferences and published multiple articles in peer reviewed journals and book chapters. Currently, Vera’s research focuses on environmental sustainability, sedation, delirium, and scope of practice of nurse anaesthetists. Professional activities include Vice-President of GENCA, Executive Board member of IFNA and President of ACPAN.
