Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) placement is delayed by wearing antichemical protective gear.
Airway management, the first step in resuscitation, may entail special difficulties in mass casualty situations, even in experienced hands. Of the available airway devices, the cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) appears the easiest one to insert, allowing a hands-free anaesthesiologist. A study was undertaken to evaluate the success of airway control with COPA when anaesthetists wore either surgical attire or antichemical protective gear. ⋯ Antichemical protective gear slowed proper placement of COPA and its fixation compared with surgical attire. COPA may be a temporarily useful device in non-conventional settings, but functional reassessment is required when injured patients reach medical facilities.