NPA usage

[mobey]

Just wondering how common NPA's are in other areas. I have never used one, never seen one used, and in fact we don't even carry them.

I know when and how to use them.

I am thinking they may be a thing of the past?

Or maybe the underdog of airway management that should be used more often?

[Dustdevil]

Been awhile since I worked civilian street EMS, so I can't really say what is the norm around my area anymore. But, in the Dallas area, I've only worked with one agency that carried NPAs. Personally, I love them. They are used more than OPAs in the military system.

[Ridryder 911]

Wow! Don't carry airways? I use NP's about twice a month, one of my favorite on CVA's/postictal, etc. We carry a majority of the sizes...

R/r 911

[Scaramedic]

Love them. My favorite tool in the box. I'll drop a nasal trumpet on a stubbed toe. JK.

They are handy though.

[JPINFV]

Weren't used/stocked at the service I worked for.

[VentMedic]

Very handy devices to keep around.

[akroeze]

wow, the concept of not having an NPA just didn't honestly occur to me.

In my experience they are one of the most under-utilized basic airway devices (right after proper positioning!). Any seizing/post-ictal/semiconscious/unconscious patient I'll use an NPA on. I pretty much personally restrict the OPA to people who are in arrest. Everyone else gets an NPA (obviously this is a guideline, not a hard fast rule).

[Chief1C]

Overall, it's my favorite tool.. Even more than the chest full of splints. One of the services I run with, it's a fairly secluded area, and most calls are emergencies. Granted they still have their fair share of BS runs. Anyhoo.. I'd say one, or two a month is a fair estimate, at least one.

[spenac]

All the services that I have dealings with use them.

[CBEMT]

Required equipment, and they are in the first-in bags of both of my services as well as more of them in the airway compartment inside the truck. I too can't imagine not having them. Only had to use it once, probably could've justified it a few other times but decided not to take that step.