The Oropharyngeal Airway
An OPA produces the same result as a jaw thrust.
To size:
Measure between the patients’ incisors to the angle of the jaw (See image)
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| Fig 8: Oropharyngeal airway should reach from the patient’s incisors to the angle of the jaw | Fig 9: The flanged front end of the oropharyngeal airway should sit just in front of the teeth |
To insert:
- Insert OPA ‘upside down’
- Twist 180° once inserted halfway (behind the tongue)
- The flanged front end should sit just in front of the teeth (See image)
Learning Bite
An OPA may precipitate vomiting or laryngospasm. In both situations, remove the OPA promptly.