TY - JOUR T1 - Prehospital use in emergency patients of a laryngeal mask airway by ambulance paramedics is a safe and effective alternative for endotracheal intubation JF - Emergency Medicine Journal JO - Emerg Med J SP - 750 LP - 753 DO - 10.1136/emermed-2012-202283 VL - 31 IS - 9 AU - J Bosch AU - J de Nooij AU - M de Visser AU - S C Cannegieter AU - N J Terpstra AU - C Heringhaus AU - J Burggraaf Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://emj.bmj.com/content/31/9/750.abstract N2 - Background In Dutch ambulance practice, failure or inability to intubate patients with altered oxygenation and/or ventilation leaves bag-valve mask ventilation as the only alternative, which is undesirable for patient outcome. A novel Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme (LMA-S) device may be a suitable alternative. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of the LMA-S for emergency medical services in daily out-of-hospital emergency practice. Methods After a period of theoretical and practical training of ambulance paramedics in the use of the LMA-S, prospective data were collected on the utilisation of LMA-S in an observational study. Procedures for use were standardised and the evaluation included the number of direct intubation attempts before using LMA-S, attempts required, failure rate and the adequacy of ventilation. Data were analysed taking patient characteristics such as age and indication for ventilatory support into account. Results The LMA-S was used 50 times over a period of 9 months (33 involving cardiorespiratory arrest, 14 primary and three rescue). The LMA-S could be applied successfully in all 50 cases (100%) and was successful in the first attempt in 49 patients (98%). Respiratory parameters showed adequate oxygenation. All paramedics were unanimously positive about the utilisation of LMA-S because of the easiness of the effort of insertion and general use, and emphasised its value as a useful resource for patients in need. Conclusions Ensuring ventilation support by using LMA-S by paramedics in prehospital emergency practice is safe and effective. ER -