Despite oral tracheal intubation being widely regarded as the preferred airway method, nasal tracheal intubation may be a better choice in specific cases, such as facial injuries or restricted airways. Therefore, healthcare providers must quickly choose right airway management according to the patient's situation. To help you know these two methods better, Bever Medical will share oral and nasal airway management and explain the differences between them. Oral Airway An Oral Airway, or Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA), helps keep the patient’s airway open by preventing the tongue from covering the epiglottis. When a patient loses consciousness, an OPA can be inserted to maintain an open airway. However, a conscious patient usually finds it uncomfortable and may attempt to push it out. When inserting an OPA, be cautious if the patient has a history of neck trauma to protect the cervical spine and avoid further injury. Maintaining an open airway is essential in emergency care, so proper use of the OPA is a critical step in ensuring patient safety. Insertion Steps 1. Preparation Equipment: Select an appropriately sized OPA, measured from the patient’s earlobe to the corner of the mouth. Lubrication: Prepare lubricant to assist with insertion. Personal Protection: Wear gloves and safety goggles. Additional protective gear, such as a mask and gown, may be required for personal safety. 2. Insertion Procedure Open the Mouth: Use your fingers or a suitable tool to gently open the patient’s mouth, avoiding placing fingers between the teeth to prevent bites. Insert the OPA: Insert the curved part of the OPA sideways with the tip pointing toward the cheek. Push the OPA: Gently push the OPA into the patient’s mouth. When you cannot push it further, rotate the OPA 90 degrees so the tip points toward the throat, and continue inserting. Full Insertion: Use the curve of the tongue, if necessary, to fully insert the OPA, ensuring the flange (the wide, flat end) rests against the patient’s lips for stability. 3. Check Position Ensure the OPA tip does not push the tongue downward or obstruct the back of the throat. Confirm airway patency to allow effective ventilation. Precautions Continuously monitor the patient's breathing and reaction during insertion. Take extra care if the patient has a history of neck trauma to prevent further injury. When Are They Used? Oral airways are typically used when someone is unconscious because their jaw muscles relax, causing the tongue to obstruct the airway. They can also be used during CPR to assist ventilation. Green Nasopharyngeal Airway Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) A Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA), particularly a PVC nasopharyngeal airway, is generally better tolerated in semi-conscious patients or those at risk of airway obstruction from an oropharyngeal airway. However, an NPA should not be used in patients with head and facial injuries. Insertion Steps 1. Select the Appropriate Size Measure from the bottom of the nostril to the earlobe to determine the correct NPA size. The NPA’s diameter should be smaller than the patient’s nasal passage. 2. Evaluate Nasal Passage Check the nasal passage to ensure there is no visible airway obstruction. 3. Lubricate the NPA Ensure the NPA is adequately lubricated before insertion. 4. Insert the NPA Insert the NPA into the nostril, guiding it along the nasal floor towards the throat until the wide, flat part of the tube rests against the nostril. 5. Provide Oxygen If possible, provide supplemental oxygen to improve the patient's oxygenation. When to Use an NPA? An NPA is useful for semi-conscious patients who retain reflexes, such as swallowing and coughing, or when an OPA may cause airway blockage. It’s also an effective alternative for patients at risk of airway obstruction from an OPA. Advantages and Disadvantages Oral Airway (OPA) Advantages Effective Airway Maintenance: The OPA effectively prevents the tongue from sliding backward, ensuring an open airway for unconscious patients. Ease of Use: OPA insertion is relatively simple, allowing emergency responders to quickly apply it in critical situations. Broad Applicability: The OPA is widely used in various emergency settings, including trauma, cardiac arrest, and respiratory failure, making it a staple in emergency kits. Disadvantages Not Suitable for Conscious Patients: OPAs are only for unconscious patients. Conscious patients often experience significant discomfort and may try to expel it, potentially causing a gag reflex and complicating airway management. Risk of Vomiting: OPA insertion can stimulate the patient’s throat, potentially causing vomiting in semi-conscious or drowsy patients, which increases the risk of aspiration. Risk of Facial or Oral Injury: OPA is unsuitable for patients with facial or oral injuries, as it may worsen the condition. Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) Advantages Suitable for Patients with Reflexes: NPAs are better for semi-conscious patients who retain reflexes such as swallowing or coughing, effectively maintaining airway patency. Better Tolerance: Since the NPA is inserted through the nose and doesn’t stimulate the throat directly, conscious patients often tolerate it better, reducing interference with airway management. Safer for Certain Situations: NPA is safer for patients with facial or oral injuries as it enters through the nose, avoiding further trauma to the mouth or face. Disadvantages Not for Patients with Head or Facial Trauma: If a patient has head or facial trauma, especially with a risk of basilar skull fracture, using an NPA could potentially drive the tube into the cranial cavity, leading to serious complications. Inserting Technique Requirements: Inserting an NPA requires skill and experience to avoid damaging nasal structures, especially in patients with narrow or obstructed nasal passages. Possible Nasal Bleeding: Improper insertion or lack of experience can cause nasal bleeding, making airway management more challenging. Conclusion Both the Oral Airway (OPA) and Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) have unique advantages and suitable scenarios. Proper selection and technique can help healthcare providers rapidly maintain an open airway in emergencies, improving rescue success rates. Bever Medical offers a range of reliable and safe OPA and NPA tools, dedicated to supporting healthcare providers in achieving efficient, professional airway management in various emergency situations. To learn more or to order products, please visit the Bever Medical official website and ensure your emergency equipment meets the highest standards.

The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) can help prevent airway obstruction in unconscious patients by preventing the tongue from falling back. And the NPA inner length can affect airway patency, if healthcare professionals do not use the correct size NPA, it may affect the patient's breathing. Therefore, it is important to use the correct size nasopharyngeal airway. This article is a guide on how to measure the right size NPA, without further ado, let's deeply dive into it.  PVC Nasopharyngeal Airway Nasopharyngeal Airway The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), is a thin, transparent, flexible tube inserted into a patient's nostril, commonly used in emergency care, anesthesia, and intensive care settings. It can be used for patients of all ages, from newborns to old, to help maintain a clear airway in conscious or semi-conscious individuals. In short, NPA can clear blockages in the upper airway at the nose, nasopharynx, or base of the tongue to stop the tongue from sliding back against the throat, which helps reduce the risk of airway obstruction. Guide to Measure and Inset a Nasopharyngeal Airway Tool preparation Nasopharyngeal airways (NPA) in various sizes Gloves for hygiene and safety Water-soluble lubricant to facilitate insertion   Steps Confirming Patient Age There are significant differences in nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) sizes between children and adults, it's essential to confirm the patient's age before measurement and prepare the appropriate NPA size. Choosing the Right NPA Size The diameter of the NPA is typically proportional to its length; larger NPAs are generally longer as well. An appropriate size not only maintains airway patency but also ensures correct placement in the nasopharynx.   Measuring Tips: Place the NPA from the patient's nose tip to the earlobe; the correct length will be the point where it fits snugly.   Average Size for Females: 6-7 mm diameter   Average Size for Males: 7-8 mm diameter   Size for Children: Diameter typically ranges from 4-7 mm   Lubricating the NPA After the size is determined, remember to use a water-soluble lubricant to adequately coat the NPA. This helps ensure smooth insertion, reduces patient discomfort, and minimizes damage to the nasal mucosa.   Insertion Correctly Keep the patient head tilt and elevate the chin, or use the chin lift technique to open the airway. This position facilitates a smoother insertion of the NPA and reduces resistance. Insertion Tips When inserting the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), angle the NPA's bevel toward the nasal septum and gently advance it along the floor of the nasal cavity, avoiding any upward force. The entire insertion process should be smooth and steady until the NPA reaches the oropharynx.  After insertion, closely monitor the patient’s breathing to ensure the airway is patent. You can assess this by observing, listening, and feeling for normal breath sounds and airflow. Note: The personnel inserting and handling the NPA must have the appropriate professional training to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.   Contraindications for NPA Use Active Nasal Bleeding: Do not insert an NPA in patients with nasal bleeding to prevent the worsening of the condition. Facial Trauma: The use of NPA is prohibited, especially in cases of basal skull fractures, as it may inadvertently enter the cranial cavity. Severe Respiratory Infections: Infections can cause damage to the nasal cavity and oropharynx, worsening the patient’s condition. Coagulopathy or Anticoagulant Use: These conditions may increase the risk of bleeding, so NPA use should be avoided in such patients. Potential Complications Nasal Bleeding (Epistaxis) Nasal or Septal Injury Sinus Infection Misplacement into the Trachea or Esophagus Intracranial Insertion  Discomfort or Pain  Practical Tips to Avoid Complications Ensure the patient has no contraindications, especially regarding basal skull fractures or nasal bleeding. Use a water-soluble lubricant to adequately lubricate the NPA, minimizing friction during insertion. Maintain the correct insertion angle and perform the procedure gently, advancing along the floor of the nasal cavity while avoiding direct upward pressure, thus reducing stress on the nasal septum. By employing correct techniques and careful handling, complications can be effectively minimized, ensuring that the patient’s airway remains open and respiratory function is preserved. Conclusion Learning to master the correct size nasopharyngeal airway can help a lot and save time. And following the above tips you can measure and insert the nasopharyngeal airway,  to know the, can ensure the patient is safe. Additionally, you need to pay attention to the patient's situation and whether can use NPA. For healthcare professionals seeking the best in patient care, consider partnering with a manufacturer of OEM nasopharyngeal airways. Bever can ensure your patients with reliable, effective airway management solutions, check these OEM products now.

In emergencies, healthcare professionals need to act quickly to ensure that patients can breathe normally. If the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) insertion process is obstructed, it can affect the patient's breathing and severely impact their life. This article will share a comprehensive guide on how to insert NPA, including its structures, detailed preparation, complete insertion process, etc. We believe that after reading this, you can insert NPA swiftly and correctly. Silicone Nasopharyngeal Airway Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)  The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a simple artificial airway inserted into the patient's pharynx through one nostril, primarily used to prevent the tongue from falling back and can be used for conscious patients. Structures The NPA consists of a connector, a sleeve, and an airway tube. BEVER medical manufactures them according to strict standards and requirements, ensuring reliable and safe nasopharyngeal airways for hospitals and other users. Connector: The connector features a continuous lumen that allows the catheter to pass through and connect with the nasopharyngeal airway. The upper end has a conical interface for connecting and securing the oxygen delivery tube, while the lower end fits tightly with the sleeve. Sleeve: The sleeve is a hollow tube that connects the airway tube and the connector, secured inside the airway tube's opening. Nasopharyngeal Airway Tube: One end of the airway tube has a beveled opening, while the other end is designed with a sleeve, which is secured inside the airway tube’s opening. Materials BEVER provides connectors and sleeves with medical-grade plastics. For nasopharyngeal airway tubes, we use medical-grade silicon, PVC, etc. 5 Practical Steps for Inserting NPA Smoothly 1. Understand the Patient's Condition Healthcare professionals should consider the patient's physical status and breathing rate, as well as check for the following conditions: Nasal or facial fractures Basilar skull fractures Severe coagulopathy Active nasal bleeding or bleeding tendencies Various nasal diseases Basilar skull fractures with cerebrospinal fluid leakage 2. Preparation Before the Operation To ensure operate at sterile environment, it’s important to prepare all necessary tools, such as masks, gloves, and disinfectants.  Operator Preparation  Wash hands, wear a mask and gloves, and select the correct size. Selecting the Correct Size Compare the outer diameter of the nasopharyngeal airway with the inner diameter of the patient's nostrils. Use the largest possible catheter that can still pass easily through the nasal cavity. The length should be from the tip of the nose to the earlobe. Common sizes include FR10, FR12, FR14, FR16, FR18, FR20, FR22, FR24, FR26, etc. Usually, the size is appeared on the airway tube for quick selection (as pictured shows). Patient Preparation The patient should lie supine, then the operator chooses one clean nostril for insertion. Before inserting the NPA, some methods can be used to reduce discomfort and pain, especially for patients with sensitive nasal and pharyngeal areas. Local anesthesia, lubricants, and vasoconstrictor sprays can be applied to ensure patient comfort and facilitate smooth NPA insertion. 3. Tips to Insert NPA After lubricating the outer surface of the nasopharyngeal airway, gently insert it into the wider nostril. Position the curvature of the airway downward, with the concave side facing up. Slowly insert the airway along the vertical plane of the nose until the end of the airway reaches the nasopharyngeal opening, typically about 13-15 cm deep. If resistance is encountered, retract about 1 cm, slightly rotate, and continue inserting. If there is still resistance, try inserting it into the other nostril in the same way. 4. Assessing Airway Patency After insertion, evaluate whether the airway is clear using the following criteria: Tongue displacement is resolved. The snoring sound has disappeared. The airway is unobstructed. 5. After Confirming Airway Patency Secure the NPA properly. Precautions Keep the nasopharyngeal airway clear and perform daily nasal care. Ensure airway humidification to prevent dryness and bleeding of the nasal mucosa. Prevent pressure injuries to the nasal mucosa; it is recommended to change the NPA every 1-2 days and use the other nostril for insertion. Conclusion Mastering the correct insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is crucial for ensuring patient respiration, especially in emergencies. By knowing the patient's condition, being well-prepared, and following detailed insertion steps, healthcare professionals can effectively use the NPA to help patients resume normal breathing. If you are looking for high-quality nasopharyngeal airways (NPA), BEVER offers OEM solutions suitable for children, adults, and the elderly. Our products are specifically designed for outdoor emergency care, conflict zones, and clinical use, ensuring reliable support when it matters most. To learn more about our NPA products and help you respond quickly and accurately in emergencies!

Both basic and advanced airway management can maximize the chance of survival and recovery. Because each method is designed for a specific situation, if used incorrectly when dealing with an airway emergency, it can be very harmful. Therefore, it is important to know the difference between the two. This article will help you understand the types of airway management and the difference between advanced airway management and basic airway management. What is Airway Management? Airway management refers to medical procedures and techniques that ensure the airway remains open, allowing air to flow from the nose and mouth to the lungs. It is critical in various settings, including emergency medicine, anesthesia, intensive care, and pulmonology. What is Basic Airway Management? Basic Airway Management technology does not require complex equipment or invasive surgery. Emergency personnel can maintain or restore the patient's airway in an emergency without professional equipment. It is suitable for patients who still can breathe independently but are at risk of partial airway obstruction. It helps to ensure oxygen supply in the shortest time and reduce the risk of hypoxia. Emergency personnel can reduce the risk of further hypoxia and complications, and get more time for subsequent advanced airway management or transfer to the hospital. Common Basic Airway Management Techniques Head Tilt-Chin Lift: Gently tilts the patient's head back and lifts the chin to open the airway. Suitable for unconscious patients without suspected spinal injuries. Jaw-Thrust Maneuver: Lifts the jaw without moving the head, used for suspected spinal injuries. Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA): Inserts a curved device in the mouth to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Suitable for unconscious patients without gag reflex. Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA): Inserts a soft tube into the nose for patients with reduced consciousness but some ability to breathe on their own. Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Ventilation: Manually compresses a bag to deliver air through a mask to assist ventilation. Indications for Basic Airway Management Reduced consciousness with weak spontaneous breathing but no need for invasive airway support. Mild respiratory distress with partial airway obstruction. Short-term airway maintenance during transport or at the scene. Goals of Basic Airway Management Quickly restore airway patency and support insufficient spontaneous breathing. Maintain oxygen supply and reduce complications from hypoxia. Minimize the risk of aspiration. Buy time for advanced airway management. Pre-Lubricated Nasal Airway What is Advanced Airway Management? Advanced Airway Management provides patients with rapid and stable oxygen supply in emergency or critical care environments, minimizing complications caused by hypoxia. It is suitable for situations where spontaneous breathing is insufficient or completely lost. And advanced airway management is more complex than basic airway management and usually requires medical professionals to perform because it involves invasive operations and the use of advanced equipment. Through advanced airway management, medical staff can better control the patient's respiratory status and improve the patient's chances of survival and recovery. Common Advanced Airway Management Techniques Endotracheal Intubation: Inserting a tube into the trachea to secure the airway. Suitable for patients with severely impaired or lost respiratory function. Tracheostomy: Creating an opening in the neck to place a tube for long-term airway maintenance, used for patients needing prolonged mechanical ventilation. Mechanical Ventilation: Using a ventilator to provide positive pressure ventilation, assisting or completely replacing spontaneous breathing. Emergency Surgical Airway Management: Performing emergency surgery to establish an airway when other methods fail or are inappropriate. Indications for Advanced Airway Management Complete loss or severe inadequacy of spontaneous breathing. Severe airway obstruction with ineffective conventional management. Loss of consciousness with a risk of aspiration. Patients needing long-term respiratory support. Goals of Advanced Airway Management Assess the risk of decreased oxygen saturation and difficulties with intubation. Use methods to prolong safe apnea times. Ensure first-pass success in intubation. Have a backup plan for difficult airways. Avoid complications through training, practice, continuing education, and teamwork. Advantages and Disadvantages Advanced Airway Management Basic Airway Management Features Involves invasive techniques like intubation and mechanical ventilation, requiring professional training. Includes non-invasive methods like OPAs and BVMs, suitable for first responders. Advantages More effective airway control can ensure complete airway patency and continuous oxygen supply, and is suitable for more complex and severe cases. Supports longer respiratory management, especially for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care and emergency treatment. For unconscious or high-risk patients, endotracheal intubation can prevent aspiration and other complications. Basic airway management is relatively simple to operate, and the equipment is light, suitable for non-professionals or initial emergency treatment. It can be quickly applied in an emergency to stabilize the patient's airway and provide a short-term oxygen supply. Easy to operate, no intubation operation, less stimulation and discomfort to the patient. Disadvantages The operation is complex and requires professional training, and the high operating technology may not be suitable for non-professionals on site. Use special equipment, which is not convenient for all on-site rescue scenarios. It is difficult to ensure the complete opening of the airway, and the effect is limited for patients with a higher risk of aspiration. In the case of continuous oxygen demand or severe airway obstruction, the effect is not as good as advanced airway management. When to Choose Advanced Airway over Basic Airway? The choice depends on the situation. Basic airway management is often more appropriate for non-critical cases or mild airway obstruction. In emergencies or complex medical scenarios (like emergency departments or intensive care), advanced airway management is more reliable. Using advanced techniques inappropriately can lead to complications, such as airway trauma or hypoxia. Why Airway Management Matters Both advanced and basic airway management are crucial in emergencies. They require safe and reliable airway management products, such as nasopharyngeal airway kits, endotracheal tubes, oropharyngeal airway kits, etc. Effective airway management depends on using the right products, Bever Medical provides airway products with precise specifications and easy operation. In addition, any mismatch in equipment specifications or errors during operation can seriously affect the patient's ability to breathe effectively and may delay critical interventions. Using high-quality, properly sized airway management tools from Bever Medical and following strict procedural steps can greatly improve patient outcomes in emergencies.

A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a flexible tube designed to maintain an open airway by passing through the nose and extending into the nasopharynx. It is commonly used in medical emergencies and situations where patients have difficulty maintaining a patent airway on their own. In this article, we will explore what a nasopharyngeal airway is, how to determine what size nasopharyngeal airway to use, and what to measure to properly insert a nasopharyngeal airway.     What Is a Nasopharyngeal Airway?   A nasopharyngeal airway, often called an "NPA" or "nasal trumpet," is a soft, flexible tube made from materials such as rubber or silicone. It is inserted into one of the nostrils and advanced into the nasal passage to help keep the airway open, especially in patients who may have a compromised airway due to trauma, unconsciousness, or other medical conditions that obstruct normal breathing. For information about actual nasopharyngeal airways such as size, material used in manufacturing, etc. you can visit websites of manufacturers such as that of Hangzhou Bever Medical Devices Co., Ltd., a professional nasopharyngeal airway producer with many years of experience.   Common Uses:   A. Emergency situations: An NPA is frequently used by first responders and medical professionals when a patient’s airway is at risk of closing due to injury, sedation, or altered levels of consciousness.   B. Alternative to oropharyngeal airways: In patients with intact gag reflexes or oral injuries that prevent the use of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA), an NPA is often the preferred option.   C. Continuous airway support: It can be used to facilitate ventilation in unconscious patients or those undergoing sedation. The nasopharyngeal airway serves as a passage for airflow between the nose and the trachea, helping to prevent the tongue or soft tissues from collapsing and blocking the airway.   What Size Nasopharyngeal Airway Should You Use?   Choosing the correct size of a nasopharyngeal airway is critical for both safety and effectiveness. If the NPA is too small, it may not properly keep the airway open; if it’s too large, it could cause damage to the nasal passage or nasopharynx.   Sizing Nasopharyngeal Airways:   A. Nasopharyngeal airways come in various sizes, typically ranging from 12 French (smallest) to 36 French (largest), with the diameter of the tube measured in French units (1 French = 0.33 mm).   B. The most commonly used sizes for adults are 28, 30, and 32 French.   C. Pediatric sizes are smaller and typically range from 12 to 22 French. When selecting the size, it’s essential to account for both the patient's age and size, as well as the size of their nasal passages. An appropriately sized NPA will fit snugly without causing discomfort or trauma.   What Should You Measure to Properly Insert a Nasopharyngeal Airway?   To ensure correct placement of the nasopharyngeal airway, accurate measurement is critical. Here’s what you need to measure to properly insert an NPA:   1) Length:   The length of the NPA is vital to ensuring it reaches the correct depth without causing damage.   The correct length can be estimated by measuring the distance from the tip of the patient's nose to their earlobe. This gives a good approximation of the distance the NPA needs to travel to reach the back of the nasopharynx.   2) Diameter:   The diameter of the NPA should allow it to pass easily through the nasal passage without causing discomfort or injury.   A general rule of thumb is to use a size that approximates the diameter of the patient’s smallest nostril.   3) Patient Comfort:   It's important to select a size that can be inserted without resistance. The NPA should slide smoothly into the nasal passage after applying a water-soluble lubricant to minimize friction.   Insertion of a Nasopharyngeal Airway   After selecting the appropriate size and confirming measurements, follow these steps for proper insertion:   1) Lubrication: Apply a generous amount of water-soluble lubricant (not petroleum-based) to the outside of the NPA to reduce friction and discomfort during insertion.   2) Angle and Insertion:   Gently insert the airway into the nostril that appears larger or clearer.   Advance the NPA following the natural curvature of the nasal passage, with the beveled tip facing toward the septum.   Continue advancing the NPA until the flange rests against the nostril. At this point, the airway should provide a clear path for breathing.   4) Monitoring:   Once the NPA is in place, regularly assess the patient's breathing and overall condition to ensure the airway remains open and the NPA is functioning correctly.   Final Remark   Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway is a procedure that requires careful selection and measurement of the device to ensure it provides adequate airway support without causing discomfort or injury. Understanding what a nasopharyngeal airway is, determining what size NPA is appropriate, and knowing what to measure before insertion are key steps in successful airway management. When done correctly, the NPA can be an invaluable tool for maintaining airway patency in patients with compromised breathing.

Airway management is a crucial aspect of medical care, especially in emergency, critical care, and surgical settings. Ensuring a patent airway and proper ventilation is vital for patient survival, as failure to do so can lead to respiratory failure, hypoxia, brain injury, or death. There are numerous techniques available for managing the airway, each tailored to the patient’s condition, anatomical considerations, and clinical environment. This article explores the key techniques for airway management, their indications, and the best practices for their use.     1. Basic Techniques for Medical Management of Airway Obstruction   Basic airway management involves non-invasive techniques to maintain airway patency and support ventilation. These are the first steps in the airway management algorithm and are usually applied in situations where the airway is at risk of becoming obstructed or when ventilation is impaired.   A. Head Tilt-Chin Lift and Jaw Thrust Maneuvers   The head tilt-chin lift and jaw thrust maneuvers are simple, manual techniques used to open the airway in an unconscious or semi-conscious patient. These techniques help move the tongue away from the back of the throat, reducing airway obstruction.   1)    Head Tilt-Chin Lift: This technique involves placing one hand on the patient’s forehead and the other under the chin, gently tilting the head back to open the airway. It is effective in patients without suspected cervical spine injury.   2)    Jaw Thrust: In trauma patients where spinal injury is a concern, the jaw thrust maneuver is preferred. The clinician places both hands on either side of the patient’s head and lifts the jaw forward, without extending the neck.   B. Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) and Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)   Oropharyngeal airways (OPA) and nasopharyngeal airways (NPA) are adjunct devices used to prevent airway obstruction by the tongue. They are useful when simple maneuvers are insufficient to maintain airway patency. 1)     OPA: This is a curved plastic device inserted into the mouth to hold the tongue away from the back of the throat. It is used in unconscious patients without a gag reflex, as its insertion may trigger gagging or vomiting in conscious patients. 2)     NPA: This soft, flexible tube is inserted through the nose into the posterior pharynx, bypassing any obstruction from the tongue. NPAs can be used in both conscious and unconscious patients, including those with an intact gag reflex. NPAs are especially useful in situations where the patient’s mouth cannot be opened (e.g., trismus). Nasopharyngeal airway is a commonly used device effective for emergency situations such as in the army. For specifications, etc. you can make inquiries to professional manufacturers, for instance Hangzhou Bever Medical Devices Co., Ltd. Bever Medical staff are helpful if you have questions like how to insert an npa or any other questions.   2. Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Ventilation   Bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation is a critical technique in airway management, often used in emergency situations to provide positive pressure ventilation. A BVM consists of a self-inflating bag attached to a face mask and, when compressed, delivers oxygen or room air to the patient.   Indications for BVM Ventilation   1) Respiratory arrest or failure   2) Inadequate spontaneous breathing (e.g., in opioid overdose or cardiac arrest)   3) Support during pre-oxygenation before advanced airway placement   Key Considerations for Effective BVM Ventilation   1) Proper Mask Seal: Achieving a tight seal between the mask and the patient’s face is essential to ensure effective ventilation. The mask should cover the nose and mouth without air leaks.   2) Two-Hand Technique: If a single rescuer is using the BVM, it may be difficult to maintain both the mask seal and ventilation. A two-hand technique, where one rescuer holds the mask while another compresses the bag, is more effective.   3) Ventilation Rate: Care should be taken to avoid hyperventilating the patient. The recommended rate is one breath every 5-6 seconds for adults, and more frequent breaths for infants and children.   3. Supraglottic Airway Devices   Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) are used when basic airway management techniques are insufficient, but endotracheal intubation is not yet needed or available. These devices sit above the vocal cords, providing a means for ventilation without entering the trachea. They are easy to insert and can be used as a temporary or backup airway in emergency situations.   A. Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)   The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a common supraglottic airway device that is inserted into the pharynx, where it sits just above the larynx. LMAs can be used in both elective and emergency airway management, particularly when intubation is difficult or unsuccessful.   Advantages of LMA   1) Easier and faster to insert than an endotracheal tube   2) Less traumatic to the airway   3) Useful in both emergency and operating room settings   B. Other Supraglottic Devices   Other supraglottic devices include the i-gel and the King LT-D airway. These devices also provide a secure airway and are often used by first responders and paramedics in prehospital settings.   4. Endotracheal Intubation   Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is the gold standard for airway management when the airway needs to be secured for long-term ventilation. It involves passing a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to ensure that the airway remains patent and to allow for direct delivery of oxygen to the lungs.   Indications for Endotracheal Intubation   1) Failure to maintain or protect the airway (e.g., due to altered mental status or trauma)   2) Inability to oxygenate or ventilate adequately using less invasive techniques   3) Anticipated airway obstruction (e.g., due to swelling or burns)   Techniques for Intubation   1) Direct Laryngoscopy: This involves the use of a laryngoscope to visualize the vocal cords and pass the endotracheal tube (ETT) into the trachea. Proper positioning of the patient (sniffing position) is critical for successful visualization.   2) Video Laryngoscopy: Video laryngoscopy has become an increasingly popular technique, especially in difficult airways, as it provides an enhanced view of the vocal cords and improves intubation success rates.   3) Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI): In emergency situations, RSI is used to facilitate intubation. This involves administering sedative and paralytic drugs to render the patient unconscious and relax the muscles, allowing for quick and controlled intubation.   Post-Intubation Care   Once intubation is successful, proper placement of the ETT should be confirmed using capnography or chest X-ray. The patient’s ventilation and oxygenation must be closely monitored, and the ETT secured to prevent dislodgement.   5. Surgical Airway Management In rare and extreme cases, when all other airway techniques fail, surgical airway management becomes necessary. This is typically a last-resort measure and is performed when neither intubation nor supraglottic devices can secure the airway.   A. Cricothyrotomy   Cricothyrotomy involves making a small incision through the cricothyroid membrane to provide access to the trachea for ventilation. This procedure is usually performed in life-threatening emergencies when other methods of airway management are not feasible.   B. Tracheostomy   Tracheostomy is a more definitive surgical airway technique, where an incision is made in the trachea, and a tube is inserted to maintain airway patency. This is typically performed in controlled environments for patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation or those with obstructive upper airway conditions.   6. Airway Management in Special Situations   A. Management of the Difficult Pediatric Airway   The pediatric airway presents unique challenges due to anatomical differences such as smaller airway size, a larger tongue, and a higher and more anterior larynx. Pediatric patients are also more prone to rapid airway obstruction. Techniques such as bag-valve-mask ventilation, LMA insertion, and video laryngoscopy are commonly used in pediatric airway management, but they require specialized pediatric-sized equipment.   B. Airway Management in Trauma   Trauma patients often present with complex airway challenges, particularly if they have sustained head or neck injuries. In cases of cervical spine injury, the jaw thrust maneuver is preferred to avoid neck movement, and spinal precautions must be maintained during airway management. Rapid sequence intubation and video laryngoscopy are frequently used in trauma settings.   Summary   Airway management is a critical skill in medicine, with a variety of techniques available depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical environment. From basic maneuvers such as the head tilt-chin lift and jaw thrust to advanced interventions like endotracheal intubation and surgical airways, healthcare providers must be prepared to use the appropriate technique to maintain airway patency and support ventilation. In all cases, preparation, proper technique, and prompt decision-making are key to ensuring successful outcomes in airway management.