EMR First Responder

A comprehensive course for Emergency Medical Responder and First Responder certification.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesScene Safety and AssessmentPrimary Patient Assessment
Advanced Airway ManagementMedical and Trauma EmergenciesSpecial Patient Populations
CPR and AED UseBleeding Control and Wound CareSplinting and Moving Patients
Effective Scene CommunicationTest-Taking and Certification Prep
Roles and Responsibi...Scene Safety and Ass...Primary Patient Asse...Advanced Airway Mana...Medical and Trauma E...Special Patient Popu...CPR and AED UseBleeding Control and...Splinting and Moving...Effective Scene Comm...Test-Taking and Cert...
Advanced Topics

Advanced Airway Management

Keeping Airways Open

Sometimes simple head-tilt or jaw-thrust isn't enough. EMRs may use airway adjuncts like oropharyngeal (OPA) or nasopharyngeal (NPA) airways to keep the airway clear.

  • OPA is used for unconscious patients with no gag reflex.
  • NPA can be used when a patient is semi-conscious or has a gag reflex.

Suctioning Techniques

Suction tools help clear vomit, blood, or secretions.

Real-World Application

At a car crash, an EMR uses an NPA to maintain an open airway in a semi-conscious patient with facial injuries.

Examples

  • Inserting an NPA in a patient with a suspected head injury who is breathing poorly.

  • Using a suction device to clear vomit from an unresponsive patient's mouth.

In a Nutshell

Advanced airway tools help EMRs maintain open airways in more complicated cases.

Key Terms

OPA
Oropharyngeal airway—a device to keep the airway open in unconscious patients.
NPA
Nasopharyngeal airway—a flexible tube inserted through the nose to maintain airway patency.
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Medical and Trauma Emergencies