Today we will talk about EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT OROPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY. This device is used when patient is faint and upper airway is block due to tongue. Patient’s glossopharyngeal and laryngeal does not reflex. This device makes an artificial passage for air. This separates tongue from posterior pharyngeal wall.
Cautions to take during using this –
This device should only be used in unconscious patient otherwise patient will start vomiting.
This is not a definitive method.
If correct size is not used then there will be loss instead of profit.
Correct technique is very necessary.
So, how you estimate correct size?
If oropharyngeal airway is big then it will push epiglottis and will block the airway and then it will damage the laryngeal structure.
It will push small tongue behind and airway will be blocked more.
Appropriate size will hold the tongue to normal position and it will make a passage by following the posture of the tongue.
Oropharyngeal airway comes in many sizes and you can check the size by putting it near the cheek of the patient. Correct size will be from angle of mandible to lower incisor.
Now, let’s see the procedure of applying it.
Patient should be laid straight.
Size should be correct and confirmed.
Before applying it, check the mouth is empty or not.
To do suction in the mouth before is a good idea.
Now the airway has to be inserted upside down. The curved part will press the tongue and will stop it from going back.
When airway reaches the soft palate, rotate it to 180degree.
After insertion, make it confirm that it is set properly or not.
Airway should be looked closely because it can be blocked by shaking.
Or vomit and secretion can compromise its patency.