OPA and NPA use

[ptemt]

SO man medics come in informing they "were unable to open the mouth" a little cross finger, opens it up.. no problem. I have yet been bit, when performing this properly (hint : properly).

R/r 911

Ridryder,

Please expand on this. Is the cross finger better at opening the mouth or is the intent for it to be safer for the EMT.

Thanks

[AZCEP]

The safest way for the EMT to open the mouth is to have the fingers as far away as possible, but most medical directors frown on using a pry bar to do it.

The scissor-finger technique is the easiest to perform, if the patient will allow you to do it. Some will have their jaws clenched tight enough that nothing will get them open.

[chbare]

This may be a little off topic, however, I do not want to start a new thread or bring an old one back for a small question. Does anybody have experience with the cuffed OPA?

Take care,

chbare.

[AZCEP]

We looked at them briefly, and just were not impressed. The King LT does a much better job, and is just as easy to place.

The C.O.P.A and the Cobra PLA both have the issue of sealing the oropharynx from above, but not securing the glottis from below. The design looks like they were trying to find a way to have patients aspirate without getting the providers dirty.

Good thought, poor execution.

[chbare]

AZCEP, thank you. That was my impression as well. I was able to use the Cobra at SLAM earlier this year and I cannot say that I would recommend using it. It looks like even the LMA would provide a better esophageal seal than the Cobra. However, I have not used the Cobra on an actual patient. Now, I will shut up and allow the thread to go back on topic.

Take care,

chbare.

[hammerpcp]

The design looks like they were trying to find a way to have patients aspirate without getting the providers dirty.

I've got to say there is some merit to that.