The intubating laryngeal mask: is there a role for paramedics?
OBJECTIVE
To compare the ability of UK paramedics to intubate a simulated difficult airway using a Mackintosh laryngoscope versus an intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA).


METHODS
A randomised controlled trial.


RESULTS
100% of the paramedics were able to intubate a simulated difficult airway using the ILMA versus 0% of those using the Mackintosh laryngoscope.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has demonstrated the ability of paramedics to use the ILMA when faced with a difficult intubation. However, further evaluation of this potential role for the ILMA is required.
Menzies
Robert
R
Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD, UK. drrmenzies@hotmail.com
Manji
Hamid
H
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial