During the LEMON assessment, what does the "3-3-2" evaluate?

The "3-3-2" mnemonic in the LEMON assessment is a critical tool for evaluating the airway anatomy of a patient, particularly when preparing for intubation. This assessment focuses on three specific measurements that can provide insight into potential difficulties during airway management.

The first “3” refers to the mouth opening, which assesses how wide a patient can open their mouth. This is important because a limited mouth opening can complicate airway access and intubation.

The second “3” pertains to the jaw width or the distance from the chin to the hyoid bone, which offers insight into the size of the airway. A narrow jaw can indicate potential challenges in visualizing the vocal cords during intubation.

The last “2” corresponds to the neck length, which influences the angle of the airway and the ability to align the oral, pharyngeal, and tracheal axes during intubation. A short neck may lead to more difficulty in achieving proper intubation positioning.

By measuring these dimensions, flight paramedics and other healthcare providers can gauge the likelihood of encountering intubation challenges and prepare accordingly, making this aspect of the LEMON assessment a vital tool in pre-hospital emergency settings.