Defend:
In years past NPAs were sized according to the patients pinky finger first then trimmed to fit the length and while that got us by and will still do the trick in a pinch. Quite a bit of research on the civilian sector suggests that diameter isnt near as important as the length. As we know a correctly placed NPA will lie just above the epiglottis having separated the soft palate from the posterior wall of the oropharynx. But if the airway is too short it will fail to separate the soft palate from the pharynx and if too long it can either pass into the larynx and aggravate cough and gag reflexes or pass anterior to the epiglottis into the vallecula, a blind ending pouch, where paradoxical airway obstruction can occur if the NPA lumen is pressed against the soft tissues. This distance is the approximate length from the tip of nostril to the ear lobe.
So with that knowledge a conscientious and pragmatic medical provider such as yourself you would need to select a range to carry. With space at a premium in most medic/aid bags, especially an M3, I would limit myself to carrying two for average patient size based on your AO and one each from the other ranges: 18fr for smaller adult (usually females), 24fr for average frame adults and 27fr for larger adults. Since your AO will primarily include a shorter than average (US) patient height then choose to carry two 18fr NPAs and one each from the other two.
What questions do you have now?
Crip
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brush Okie
<<SNIP>>
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Both of your replies were condescending towards the OP so how about you drop the arrogance. If you arent capable of helping out others without being an ass dont hit the "Submit Reply" button.