|
Innovative oropharyngeal airway introduced at EMS Today
1 set of 3 can replace a whole kit of Berman or Hudson style OPAs
The Dual-Air from NuZone Medical is an innovative oropharyngeal airway. A set of three can replace a whole kit of Berman or Hudson style OPAs. It comes in both adult and pediatric sizes, and solves several problems with existing oral airway.
|
The Dual-Air is easy to size and insert. The adjustable sliding components allow you to move the tounge out of the way more effectively. Think of it as an oral airway split in half that articulates. It creates a larger opening for gas, reducing inspiratory pressures. This improves flow and enhances your ability to seal the face mask.
It also offers improved access for suctioning. You can easily pass a 14 fr.suction catheter down the large channel, bypassing both tounge and teeth easily. It is a whole lot easier to intubate if you have really suctioned out the pharynx properly first before pulling the oral airway out. It was developed by Dan Ogilvie, RRT and Beata Zawadzka, RN.
Dual-Air is more convenient for rescuers and likely more comfortable for the patient. The Dual-Air means you carry less stuff to do more things. It lloks to me like they solved several problems with existing oral airways.
One of the nicest features is how easily it is applied. Say for example, you have a heavily intoxicated patient who is snoring. Once the Dual-Air is inserted, you can ratchet the airway pulling the tongue away from the hard palate until the snoring sound goes away. Sweet. For details check out their YouTube videos.
