What is the only retroglottic airway approved for prehospital use in San Diego County?

What is the only retroglottic airway approved for prehospital use in San Diego County?

• A. i-gel
• B. Endotracheal tube
• C. LMA
• D. King Airway

Answer: (D)

In prehospital airway management, retroglottic (supraglottic) devices are used to secure ventilation without needing direct visualization of the vocal cords. San Diego County EMS protocols specify only one retroglottic airway as approved for field use, and that device is the King Airway. It’s designed for rapid, blind insertion by EMS providers, seats above the glottis to create a reliable seal, and allows effective ventilation with minimal training and equipment. This makes it well-suited for the unpredictable prehospital environment and reduces the risk of esophageal intubation compared with attempting endotracheal placement in the field. Other supraglottic devices like the i-gel or traditional LMAs may be used in other regions or settings, but they are not approved for prehospital use in that county. An endotracheal tube is not a retroglottic airway, as it is inserted into the trachea, not placed above the glottis.

In prehospital airway management, retroglottic (supraglottic) devices are used to secure ventilation without needing direct visualization of the vocal cords. San Diego County EMS protocols specify only one retroglottic airway as approved for field use, and that device is the King Airway. It’s designed for rapid, blind insertion by EMS providers, seats above the glottis to create a reliable seal, and allows effective ventilation with minimal training and equipment. This makes it well-suited for the unpredictable prehospital environment and reduces the risk of esophageal intubation compared with attempting endotracheal placement in the field. Other supraglottic devices like the i-gel or traditional LMAs may be used in other regions or settings, but they are not approved for prehospital use in that county. An endotracheal tube is not a retroglottic airway, as it is inserted into the trachea, not placed above the glottis.