What They Are
Supraglottic airways such as the King LT and i-gel are placed blindly into the pharynx and seal around the laryngeal inlet. They are easier to learn than endotracheal intubation and are widely used in EMS, especially during cardiac arrest.
Indications and Contraindications
Use them for unresponsive patients without a gag reflex who need airway control and cannot be adequately ventilated with a BVM. Contraindications include an intact gag reflex, known esophageal disease, caustic ingestion, and in many protocols a patient who is too small or too large for available sizes.
After Placement
Confirm placement by chest rise, bilateral breath sounds, absent gastric sounds, and waveform capnography. Secure the device and reassess frequently, especially after patient movement. If ventilation fails, remove the device and return to BVM with adjuncts.