Tracheal intubation via the laryngeal mask airway: a viable alternative to direct laryngoscopy for nursing staff during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Eight nurses with no previous experience of advanced airway management were randomly assigned to be taught tracheal intubation either by direct laryngoscopy or via a laryngeal mask. Once competent in the technique using a manikin, they attempted a maximum of ten intubations on anaesthetised patients. They were then taught the alternative technique and the assessment repeated. Median times for practice were the same for both techniques. Intubation in under 30 s was successful via the laryngeal mask in 60% of patients (42/70) compared to 39% (27/70) when using a laryngoscope (P = 0.11). It appears that non-medical personnel can be successfully taught to intubate the trachea using the laryngeal mask as a conduit, for those circumstances where a cuffed tracheal tube is considered essential during resuscitation.