Supraglottic Airways: The History and Current State of Prehospital Airway Adjuncts

Abstract

This review discusses the history, developments, benefits, and complications of supraglottic devices in prehospital care for adults and pediatrics. Evidence supporting their use as well as current controversies and developments in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and rapid sequence airway management is discussed. Devices reviewed include the Laryngeal Mask Airway, Esophageal Tracheal Combitube, Laryngeal Tube, I-Gel, Air-Q, Laryngeal Mask Airway Fastrach, and the Supraglottic Airway Laryngopharyngeal Tube (SALT).