BLS Airway Adjunct - NPA

The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a (now) disposable soft tubular device designed to support the nasal route of breathing, controlling airway obstruction at the nasal cavities, nasopharynx, soft palate, and the base of the tongue.A nasopharyngeal airway device (NPA) is a hollow plastic or soft rubber tube that a healthcare provider can utilize to assist with patient oxygenation and ventilation in patients who are difficult to oxygenate or ventilate via bag-mask ventilation, for example. NPAs are passed into the nose and through to the posterior pharynx. NPAs do not cause patients to gag. Therefore, the best airway adjunct in an awake patient and a better choice in a semiconscious patient who may not tolerate an oropharyngeal airway due to the gag reflex. NPAs are also helpful when a patient's mouth is difficult to open or access, for example, in cases of trismus or angioedema. While NPAs are airway adjuncts for ventilation and oxygenation in patients who are difficult to ventilate and oxygenate, they only act as a bridge to either a secure airway via endotracheal or nasotracheal (NT) intubation or to assist the patient until the patient is stable and able to breathe independently.

#emseducation #emtstudent #ambulance #ems #paramediclife #nremt #emtschool #emtclass #medicschool #paramedical #nremtprep #emtstudents #medicstudents