Oropharyngeal Airway Device Insertion

Oropharyngeal Airway Device Opener

This module describes how to insert an oropharyngeal airway device (OPA or Guedel airway) to maintain an open airway in a patient with impaired consciousness.




This procedure is usually done as an emergency measure with an unconscious patient. However, it may be explained to family members afterwards.

How do I explain this procedure?

“I had to put a short tube in the patient’s mouth, into their throat, to keep it open for breathing. This is not uncomfortable for them while they are not awake.”


Documentation

Equipment


The patient should be lying on their back.


Follow medical asepsis with non-sterile gloves.


I think the patient is choking.

Remove the airway device. If the patient is conscious enough to have a gag reflex, the airway device is contraindicated. Consider using an NPA.

The patient is biting down.

Don’t use an OPA as a bite block — provide more sedation and analgesia.