Use of the laryngeal tube for out-of-hospital resuscitation

Every physician involved in emergency medicine should be familiar with alternative techniques for managing the difficult airway. We report a case of a patient who was successfully ventilated and oxygenated with a laryngeal tube, when tracheal intubation failed. Ventilation was possible even during continuous chest compressions. Airway equipment, including one supraglottic alternative for patients of all ages and a set for cricothyroidotomy, for those experienced in its use, should be available on every ambulance equipped for advanced life support. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.