Fair enough to both posts. I mentioned it for this person's kit, which - to me - seems pretty well stocked, not for my own kit. I also mention it because it could still be used primarily as a small irrigation tool - and the smaller diameter gives it the other option. I don't think I'd be doing this without some training - and I doubt a basic EMT course would touch this.

It's interesting to note that just because one doctor in one ER didn't perform this in 5-6 years that it doesn't happen. I watched a ladder fall on an animal's throat on a farm once, where it slowly suffocated. It was gruesome - and I wouldn't want to see that happen to a person if I could prevent it. Doctors also have access to intubation equipment and my guess is that it was probably used more than a few times in that 5-6 years. That requires a great deal of experience and knowledge and is - from what I understand - pretty tough to do in the field.