Hi all!

I am putting together the f.a.k. for my troop and I was wondering if I should put in an airway set? If I did it would probably be a set of oropharyngeal(oral)airways. Is there any way that I, as a 13 y.o. kid (14 in 2 weeks tho), could get trained in the use of these and nasopharyngeal(nasal) airways? I know how to basically do the oral ones, but probably wouldn't do it unless I was trained.

Thanks!

-Jace

i'm sure your heart is in the right place.

not long ago there was a great discussion about this very subject - only it was asked if adults should be using airways.

you might search for the thread.

and you will get lots of feedback here at this thread.

in my opinion, the answer is no. there are too many variables involved - both from the victim's perspective as well as from the rescuer's perspective.

one of the first rules of medicine is "do no harm". and there's great potential for doing more harm than good in the hands of the untrained.

my $0.02 worth.

Ok thanks, I will probably not include it, but now I am wondering, does the red cross or anyone else have a class were one could learn these things? My older bro is training to become a fire-fighter so maybe I could tag along to his emt class??

There are First Responder classes that really cover a great amount of material, but I'm not sure of the age limitations.

Perhaps an advanced first aid course.

I will find out, just looked on the ARC website and it said no prerequisites, cant find an email address though

from red cross website


that sounds like you would learn a lot of stuff!!

dang it! Now I wanna take the class!!!

Oral airways can be easily learned - just a few minutes. I've never seen one do any harm. The worst I saw was when someone used too small of one and it fell back into the mouth. But it was easily retrieved.

Nasal airways take more skill to put in place and are usually lubricated. Moving up the skill ladder you have EOA/EGTA (if those are still used these days - I'm remembering them for many years back). ET is the best by far, but those require even more training, practice, and skill. Not to mention that a laryngosocpe is typically used with them (although digital insertion is sometimes possible).

It's been ages since I taught, but I seem to remember oral airways being part of the basic CPR and/or first aid classes. Maybe I'm confusing that with EMT classes.

I understand your frustration Jace and applaud you're wanting to expand your knowledge base.

Keep in mind that you are covered by Good Samaritan laws only if you stay within the confines of what you were taught as part of an accepted training program.

Once you stray from what is taught then you're on your own legally.

With standard American Heart BLS (basic life support), oral airways are not taught (unless they've changed something in the last few weeks)

Oral airways are taught as part of ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)and even though I've been trained with them and used them in real life in the hospital, I still would be asking myself on the street "did I pay my professional liability insurance premium?"

Stick with what you are trained to do in BLS and you are already ahead of the vast majority of the population who stand around with their heads up their arses afraid to do anything.

Yes, i am familiar with the good sameritan law, along with others such as abandonment. It is hard for me sometimes because a lot of these classes are "15 and above" and im only 13 but probably have the maturity level of at least a 15 year old...god I hate insurance laws!

"...Oral airways can be easily learned - just a few minutes..."

Indeed it can. Probably a bigger question would be the legallity of using one if not properly trained and CERTIFIED...