Description
Airway management is the foundation of emergency care — and when a patient’s airway is compromised, having the right tool available can be the difference between life and death. The Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) is a trusted, widely used adjunct that secures an open airway quickly and effectively, even in patients who cannot tolerate an oral airway device.
When a patient loses consciousness, the muscles of the jaw relax and the tongue can fall back to partially or fully obstruct the airway. The NPA addresses this by providing a clear passage through the nasal cavity, bypassing the obstruction and ensuring adequate airflow to the lungs. Its flared proximal end sits flush against the nostril, preventing the device from migrating inward and making removal straightforward when necessary.
One of the key advantages of the NPA over an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is its suitability for semi-conscious or conscious patients. Where an OPA would trigger the gag reflex and cause distress or vomiting, the NPA can be tolerated by patients with intact reflexes, significantly broadening its clinical application. It is sized using the French catheter scale, allowing practitioners to select the appropriate diameter for the patient.
Used by EMTs, paramedics, and tactical medical personnel in pre-hospital and field settings, the NPA is an essential component of any serious trauma or emergency response kit — particularly where tracheal intubation is not possible or falls outside the practitioner’s scope of practice.
Note: This is a medical device intended for use by trained emergency care professionals. Always use with appropriate lubricating jelly and follow your applicable clinical protocols.
