combi/kingairway BLS or ALS?

[Bloom-IUEMT]

Wow I wasn't even aware medics used LMAs. I saw one once in the OR and the anesthesiologist told me it can cause patients to aspirate but they use it frequently with surgery patients because they've fasted before the operation. Seems like it would be dangerous for a paramedic to use. AM I mistaken? Help me out.

 

[FLEMTP]

Wow I wasn't even aware medics used LMAs. I saw one once in the OR and the anesthesiologist told me it can cause patients to aspirate but they use it frequently with surgery patients because they've fasted before the operation. Seems like it would be dangerous for a paramedic to use. AM I mistaken? Help me out.

We were using the LMA... we now use the LMA supreme...it has a port for an NG tube on it and a nice built in bite block...they can allow for aspiration.. but if you paralyze someone and cannot get an ETT then they are a great rescue airway..IMHO

 

[subliminal1284]

Here in WI the combitube is a BLS skill. If youre dumb enough to mess up a combitube after you have been properly trained on it you really have no business whatsoever in EMS.

 

[Bloom-IUEMT]

We were using the LMA... we now use the LMA supreme...it has a port for an NG tube on it and a nice built in bite block...they can allow for aspiration.. but if you paralyze someone and cannot get an ETT then they are a great rescue airway..IMHO

I still don't get it---if it doesn't protect against aspiration why use it? Does it require RSI?

 

[Shishkabob]

I still don't get it---if it doesn't protect against aspiration why use it? Does it require RSI?

Because it still keeps the airway open from the tongue, just like NPAs/OPAs, and it frees someone from having to hold a BVM mask seal. No, it does not require RSI.

 

[adamjh3]

San Diego county considers both the king and combitube airways a BLS skill. We have to get certified through the county for it, though.