What types of airways can EMT-B use

[Steveb]

What types of airways can EMT-B use in their scope of practise?

 

[NomadicMedic]

It depends on where they work.

In most places an EMT-B may use an OPA (oropharyngeal airway) or NPA (nasopharyngeal airway).

However, in some locales, this may be restricted. For example, King County Washington only allows use of an OPA.

In other areas, EMT-Bs may be trained in the placement of a BIAD (blind insertion airway device) such as a King LT or Combi-Tube.

 

[CentralCalEMT]

It depends on the area. In Kern County, CA EMTs can use King Airway and Combitube devices. However, in other counties in CA EMTs are limited to OPA and NPA.

 

[NYMedic828]

 

[teedubbyaw]

Our largest city trains their firefighters to use King-LT's.

 

[ATFDFF]

In my system, NPA, OPA, King, and Combi-Tube.

 

[MassEMT-B]

Rhode Island allowes EOAs.... and now they allow Basics to use LMAs and LTAs.

 

[Bullets]

Your fingers also can be used, just use two fingers to hold the tongue down and out of the way

 

[usalsfyre]

According to TV, that, when combined with this

can make a definitive airway....

 

[Medic Tim]

Rhode Island allowes EOAs.... and now they allow Basics to use LMAs and LTAs.

they still make those things???

 

[NomadicMedic]

Your fingers also can be used, just use two fingers to hold the tongue down and out of the way

I would be very reluctant to stick my fingers in any patient's mouth.

 

[MassEMT-B]

they still make those things???

I dont know... when I worked in Rhode Island the ones on the trucks all seemed really old haha.

 

[NYMedic828]

According to TV, that, when combined with this

can make a definitive airway....

By this guy maybe

 

[CodeBru1984]

It depends on the area. In Kern County, CA EMTs can use King Airway and Combitube devices. However, in other counties in CA EMTs are limited to OPA and NPA.

This is correct. It seems that the King Airway and Combitube device are being introduced into the EMT scope of practice in more California counties now.

 

[EpiEMS]

The National Scope document states that EMTs are expected to use OPAs and NPAs. Many states, regions, municipalities, etc. permit the use of blind insertion airway devices, such as the King or CombiTube. Heck, some places (Montana), even grant an endorsement for EMTs to perform endotracheal intubation.

 

[VFlutter]

I would be very reluctant to stick my fingers in any patient's mouth.

+1 Grandma can bite hard with those dentures

 

[Christopher]

What types of airways can EMT-B use in their scope of practise?

Nasal, oral, and supraglottic airways (i.e. Combitube, KingLT, and LMA) in North Carolina. With this they're also allowed and encouraged to use waveform capnography.

Hopefully we'll get CPAP for them as well in the next revision.

 

[Christopher]

I dont know... when I worked in Rhode Island the ones on the trucks all seemed really old haha.

I thought EOA use was considered negligence?

 

[medicdan]

I thought EOA use was considered negligence?

I thought they were considered abuse...