Can a critical care specialist perform a tracheostomy?

Tracheostomies can be done in an emergency setting, can be planned, or can be done if the person will need an artificial airaway for an indeterminate amount of time.
A health care provider who is licensed to perform a tracheostomy can perform a tracheostomy in a facility. Ideally, tracheostomies are done in the setting of an operating room and are a planned procedure. They are usually done by a surgeon (general, trauma, or other) who is licensed and qualified to perform one. Some facilities may do things differently, such a s perform tracheostomies in the ICU if it is an emergency or if the patient is too sick or is unstable to go to the operating room. If a person has "lost" his or her airway (breathing tube blocked or dislodged) then the procedure is an emergencey and will be dealt with by the critical care staff and the physician or surgeon at that time.