Airways for EMTs

[Tigger]

Almost. EMTs should concentrate more on becoming proficient with a BVM before worrying about what new skills and toys they think they deserve.

Although by the same token, using an SGA can significantly cut down on complications associated with just using a BVM. My thought is that if a patient can tolerate an OPA and an SGA is available, it should be placed. It does a much better job preventing gastric distension and may also prevent aspiration.

Of course not every patient requiring manual ventilation can tolerate an SGA, so you are of course right, EMTs do need to be much more proficient with the BVM.

I am just of the belief that if we have the tools available to help negate potential consequences of a fairly low-use skill, we should use them.

 

[jpregulman]

OH allows king/lma and the like for pulse-less and apnic pts.

 

[Carlos Danger]

Although by the same token, using an SGA can significantly cut down on complications associated with just using a BVM. My thought is that if a patient can tolerate an OPA and an SGA is available, it should be placed. It does a much better job preventing gastric distension and may also prevent aspiration.

Of course not every patient requiring manual ventilation can tolerate an SGA, so you are of course right, EMTs do need to be much more proficient with the BVM.

I am just of the belief that if we have the tools available to help negate potential consequences of a fairly low-use skill, we should use them.

Exactly.

There is plenty of research out there showing that EMT-B's can effectively use SGA's. I can think of no reason why they shouldn't be a BLS skill.