title: The intubating laryngeal mask: is there a role for paramedics?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD, UK. drrmenzies@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Menzies
authors.forename: Hamid
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Manji
mesh_terms: 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