<![CDATA[Failure in airway management is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in patients, especially in emergency situations. Anesthesia practitioners, particularly anesthesia nurses and anesthesia technicians, are required to have technical skills, quick decision-making, and clinical intuition formed through work experience. Objective this study aims to qualitatively explore the impact of work experience on the skills and decision-making of anesthesia practitioners in emergency airway management. Methods this study used a qualitative design with an interpretive phenomenological approach. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, consisting of four anesthesia practitioners with 2 to 25 years of work experience at Bhayangkara Brimob Hospital in Depok. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews that were recorded and transcribed, supplemented with field notes. Data analysis was performed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results data analysis yielded three main themes, namely: (1) the strategic role of anesthesiologists in airway management, including preparedness for complications, collaboration with anesthesiologists, and vigilance throughout the perioperative period; (2) quick and accurate clinical decision-making, with reflex responses to emergency conditions, visual clinical evaluation, and effective communication with the team; (3) technical skills and clinical intuition, in the form of mastery of airway devices, accuracy of actions based on experience, and intuition in detecting risks. Conclusion this study shows that work experience greatly influences the technical skills, response speed, and clinical intuition of anesthesiologists. Continuous training and team collaboration are essential for improving patient safety.]]>
