Prompt establishment of an airway is a primary goal in CPR of nonbreathing and unconscious patients. The esophageal tracheal combitube (ETC) is a new airway, designed for emergency intubation providing sufficient ventilation whether the airway is placed into the trachea or into the esophagus. We evaluated the effectiveness of the ETC in 31 patients during CPR. Blood gas analyses obtained during esophageal placement of the ETC showed results comparable to those of ventilation with a conventional endotracheal airway (ETA). The ETC appeared to oxygenate and ventilate patients adequately without complications. The efficacy, safety, and ease of insertion ensure rapid airway control. It is concluded that the ETC provides a sufficient alternative to the ETA whenever ideal conditions or trained staff for endotracheal intubation are not immediately available.