Best Airway Equipment For An EMT

Airway management is an essential component of a EMT’s duties. Clearing the airway of secretions, managing difficult aspiration situations, and determining the source of respiratory distress are all important parts of the job. The appropriate equipment is crucial.

Each type of airway management equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best way to determine which type of equipment is right for you is to consult with a EMT or other medical professional.

What Do I need to know as an EMT about airways?

Airway management is the process of assessing, clearing, and maintaining an individual’s airway. It is a crucial part of the job for EMTs and other first responders.

The most common reason for airway obstruction is the tongue or foreign bodies blocking the airway. Other causes of airway obstruction include injury to the airway, increased presence of blood and secretions (e.g., saliva and mucus), or inflammation of the airway.

Specific clinical signs that may indicate the need for airway management include respiratory failure, reduced level of consciousness, rapid change in mental status, active choking, or penetrating trauma to the neck.

There are a variety of techniques and pieces of equipment that can be used for airway management. The most appropriate technique and equipment will depend on the individual’s specific situation.

The 5 main types of airway management equipment are: facemask ventilation devices, supraglottic airway devices, tracheal intubation, suction machines, and transtracheal access.

Facemask Ventilation Devices

A facemask ventilation device is a mask that covers your mouth and nose, with a one-way valve that allows you to breathe while preventing contaminants from entering your airway. Facemask ventilation devices come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and some may have additional attachments, such as a reservoir bag, to help with breathing.

Advantages of facemask ventilation devices include that they are relatively easy to use and can be used on most people. Disadvantages of facemask ventilation devices include that they can be uncomfortable for the individual and may not provide a seal that is tight enough to prevent all contaminants from entering the airway.

Supraglottic Airway Devices

A supraglottic airway device is a device that is inserted into your mouth or nose to keep your airway open. Supraglottic airway devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some may have additional features, such as an inflatable cuff, to help keep them in place.

Advantages of supraglottic airway devices include that they are relatively easy to use and can be used on most people. Disadvantages of supraglottic airway devices include that they can be uncomfortable for the individual and may not provide a seal that is tight enough to prevent all contaminants from entering the airway.

Tracheal Intubation

Tracheal intubation is a procedure in which a tube is inserted through your nose or mouth and into your trachea (windpipe). The tube is then connected to a ventilator, which will help you breathe. Tracheal intubation is typically reserved for cases where other airway management techniques have failed or are not possible.

Advantages of tracheal intubation include that it provides a more direct airway and can be used on people who are unable to maintain their own airway. Disadvantages of tracheal intubation include that it is a more invasive procedure and requires more training to perform correctly.

Suction Machines

A suction machine is a device that is used to remove secretions, such as mucus, from your airway. Suction machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some may have additional features, such as an inflatable cuff, to help keep them in place.

Advantages of suction machines include that they are relatively easy to use and can be used on most people. Disadvantages of suction machines include that they can be uncomfortable for the individual and may not provide a seal that is tight enough to prevent all contaminants from entering the airway.

Transtracheal Access

Transtracheal access is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through your neck and into your trachea (windpipe). Transtracheal access is typically reserved for cases where other airway management techniques have failed or are not possible.

Advantages of transtracheal access include that it provides a more direct airway and can be used on people who are unable to maintain their own airway. Disadvantages of transtracheal access include that it is a more invasive procedure and requires more training to perform correctly.

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