In a message dated 15/04/2004 23:32:23 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes:

So is there any educated opinion that it is a safe airway technique to teach and use for fire &rescue services?? that was the original question and still have not received any yes or no and if so why yes or no!!

many thanks
Fred

That's not quite true. Before the thread got distracted by LMAs etc., it was clear that there is no clear evidence to support either opinion. This makes it an educated guess.

Circumstances may dictate a compromise; this we all appear to agree on. Ideally there should be two operators for the c-spine immobilisation and airway management, but a number of us feel that it can be done by a single person.

In the age of multi-disciplinary team working and being in a system where Trauma Technicians in the Fire Service are well established and spend time with anaesthetists managing airways (admittedly drug compromised ones on a theatre trolley), I cannot see why a fire fighter of this pedigree should not be regarded in the same manner as a paramedic at the first step on the airway management ladder.

With the diametrically opposed positions expressed, this conundrum cannot really be answered. Local custom and practice will dictate what is acceptable but it can be challenged readily.

Mobile video-fluoroscopy? ... until then it will remain unanswerable.

Darren