Advance Airway Management Devices in BLS: An Overview

Table of Contents: 

• Introduction
• What Are Advanced Airway Devices?
• Types of Advanced Airway Devices in BLS
• Why Use Advanced Airway Devices in BLS?
• Best Practices for Using Advanced Airway Devices
• Wrapping Up

Millions of individuals globally encounter accidents, choking, drowning, or any other sudden respiratory and cardiac mishaps. These emergencies do not allow them to breathe on their own, which turns into a life-or-death situation. That’s the point where advance airway devices come in. 

These tools help medical professionals keep a person’s airway open so they can breathe. In the US alone, over 350,000 adults suffer from cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year. Therefore, quick action with the right tools can make all the difference. 

Besides, the airway management devices market is expected to record a 3.6% CAGR from 2023 to 2033, which will make it reach around US$ 2.2 billion. Let’s explore these essential devices and how they’re used in Basic Life Support (BLS) situations.

What is An Advanced Airway Device?

Advanced airway devices are special medical tools that keep a person’s airway open when they can’t do it themselves. They’re more complex than basic techniques like tilting the head back or using simple mouth or nose tubes.

These devices require special training to use. They’re mostly used by paramedics, emergency doctors, and anesthesiologists, but BLS providers can also use some simpler versions.

Besides, not all airway tools are considered “advanced.” Equipment like oropharyngeal airways (tubes that go in the mouth) or nasopharyngeal airways (tubes that go in the nose) are basic tools, not advanced ones.

Read more: BLS Meaning: What Does BLS Stand For?

Types of Advanced Airway Devices in BLS

The purpose of airway devices is to keep the air following for maintaining the proper oxygen saturation in the blood. There are several types of advanced airway devices that BLS providers might use. However, they need specialized training to operate them appropriately. The main advanced airway devices are as follows: 

1. Supraglottic Airways

These devices are inserted into the pharynx above the voice box (glottis) for ventilation or oxygenation. These devices are also used to administer anesthetic medicines. They include:

• Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA): This is a flexible tube with an inflatable cuff that seals around the voice box.
• I-gel: A newer device made of soft gel-like material. It doesn’t need inflation, making it quicker to use.
• King LT: This tube has two inflatable cuffs that seal off the food pipe and the throat.

2. Endotracheal Tubes

These tubes go directly into the windpipe. After securing the endotracheal tube, the care provider must ensure its correct position. They are used during the time of giving anesthesia or when a patient has undergone respiratory failure. While advanced providers use them frequently, some BLS providers are trained to use them. 

3. Laryngoscopes

These tools are used to examine the larynx and aid the airway intubation devices. Their use demands advanced training. Hence, BLS providers are not usually trained for it initially, but they can gain expertise by getting an advanced certification. There are mainly two types of Laryngoscopes: 

• Direct Laryngoscopes: Tools that let you see directly into the throat to place the tube.
• Video Laryngoscopes: These have a camera to show the throat on a screen, often making it easier to place the tube.

4. Jet Ventilators

Jet ventilators are specialized devices for specific clinical situations. They offer a unique approach to air delivery into the lungs and are operated at very high frequencies. Jet ventilators deliver small, rapid volumes of air, which can become very important in states of severe respiratory distress. These include situations where a patient cannot be adequately oxygenated or ventilated using traditional modes of mechanical ventilation.

5. CPAP and BiPAP Machines

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) are examples of noninvasive ventilation machines. These two airway equipment provide positive airway pressure in an attempt to improve oxygenation through reduced breathing difficulties, especially in patients suffering from sleep apnea and certain respiratory disorders.

6. Percutaneous Transtracheal Ventilation (PTV) 

PTV is a specialized rescue technique which is usually used when conventional ventilation either fails or is impossible. It is resorted to in conditions that are life-threatening and involve grave obstructions of the upper airways or face traumas.

7. Cricothyroidotomy Kits

Cricothyroidotomy kits are indispensable in a number of life-threatening situations where standard methods for securing the airway are not possible. The procedure involves establishing a surgical airway through the cricothyroid membrane, which is located just below Adam’s apple.

Cricothyroidotomies are last-resort procedures where intubation and supraglottic devices have failed, and a patient is at imminent risk of suffocation. Examples include severe facial trauma, obstruction of the upper airways, or when access to the oral and nasal airways is unavailable.

Why Use Advanced Airway Devices in BLS?

With proper training on the usage of advanced airway devices, first responders or healthcare professionals can provide immediate help at the time of emergency. The common benefits of using these devices in BLS are as follows: 

1. Better Breathing: They help get more oxygen into the lungs than basic methods.
2. Less Risk of Choking: Many of these devices help prevent stomach contents from getting into the lungs.
3. Hands-Free: Once in place, these devices often let providers use their hands for other important tasks.
4. More Successful: These devices often work better than basic techniques, especially in difficult situations.

Best Practices for Using Advanced Airway Devices

Advanced airway management devices are complex to use, especially for people who have received fresh training. Hence, to get the most benefit and reduce risks, BLS providers should:

1. Get Proper Training: Make sure you are fully trained and certified to use these devices.
2. Check Equipment Regularly: Always make sure your devices are in good working order before you need them.
3. Follow Set Guidelines: Use the devices according to established protocols.
4. Confirm Placement: Always double-check that the device is in the right place after you put it in.
5. Keep Monitoring: Once the device is in place, keep checking to make sure it’s working correctly.

Read More: Effective Team Dynamics in CPR & BLS

Wrapping Up

Advance airway devices have greatly improved how BLS providers can help people who can’t breathe on their own. These tools offer better ways to get oxygen to patients and protect their airways. However, they also require more training and careful use.

As new devices are developed, BLS providers must stay informed and keep their skills up to date. By combining good training, following guidelines, and using these devices wisely, BLS providers can greatly improve their ability to help patients in emergencies.