Prehospital use of supraglottic airway devices

Supraglottic alternatives to mask ventilation and tracheal intubation are part of modern concepts for emergency airway management. While there is general acceptance of their role as a backup in case of intubation difficulties, more attention should be paid to the advantages of supraglottic devices over ventilation with a facemask in an emergency setting. Establishing regional concepts allows safe use and reduces training requirements. Due to the growing availability and use of suitable supraglottic alternatives in emergency medicine, concepts for the conversion to a tracheal tube should be established.