LESSON 2
DEVICES USED TO AID BREATHING
2-1.
NASOPHARYNGEAL AIRWAYS
a. Among the most critical skills the soldier medic must know are basic and
advanced airway management. Without proper airway management techniques and
oxygen administration, the patient may die needlessly. The soldier medic must be able
to choose and effectively utilize the proper equipment for administering oxygen for both
the medical and trauma casualty. The soldier medic must also keep in mind the
principles of tactical casualty care and always do the appropriate intervention at the
appropriate time.
b. There will be situations in the field where you will encounter a patient who not
only needs his breathing restored, but must also have it maintained by mechanical
means. In the field, rescue breathing is the preferred method of maintaining respiration.
Before any airway adjuncts are utilized, it should be remembered that the airway can be
improved in most cases by tilting the head back and performing the chin lift or jaw
thrust. These maneuvers displace the tongue forward and away from the posterior
pharyngeal wall. If the patient is capable of spontaneous breathing, this positioning may
be all that is necessary. In some situations, however, a nasopharyngeal airway,
oropharyngeal airway, or Combitube airway may be needed to maintain an open air
passage.
c. The nasopharyngeal airway (figure 2-1) is a flexible tube inserted through the
external nasal passage and into the nasopharynx and oropharynx to elevate the tongue
off of the back of the throat to maintain a patent airway. The insertion of this devise can
be used with a conscious or unconscious patient; therefore it is the preferred airway
during the tactical field care phase. It is also more effective than the oropharyngeal
airway because it is less likely to be dislodged during movement of the patient during
evacuation.
Figure 2-1. Nasopharyngeal airway.
MD0542
2-2