When is it appropriate to insert a Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)?

Inserting a Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) is appropriate when a casualty exhibits certain signs of airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation. When a person is unconscious, their natural protective reflexes diminish, increasing the likelihood of airway blockage. An NPA helps to keep the airway open, facilitating breathing and oxygenation.

A respiratory rate of less than 2 breaths in 15 seconds indicates severe respiratory depression, which would also warrant the insertion of an NPA to ensure the airway remains open and unobstructed.

Furthermore, snoring or gurgling sounds suggest that there may be partial obstruction of the airway, often caused by the tongue or secretions. Inserting an NPA can help alleviate these obstructions by bypassing the obstruction at the level of the tongue or throat.

By effectively managing the airway in these scenarios, an NPA serves as a critical tool in emergency situations, ensuring that patients receive adequate airflow, especially when their condition poses a risk of airway compromise. Thus, considering all these conditions, it is clear that all the scenarios presented are valid situations where an NPA should be utilized.