OPA Insertion: Step-by-Step Guide

An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) or Guedel is a device used to keep the airway open in patients who are unconscious or sedated. The device is designed to fit into the patient's mouth and prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway.
Inserting an OPA or Guedel is an essential skill for healthcare providers, especially those working in emergency medicine, critical care, or anesthesia. In this RUclips video, we will guide you through the process of inserting an OPA or Guedel, step-by-step.
The first step in inserting an OPA or Guedel is to select the appropriate size. The device should be sized to fit the patient's mouth, from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe. You can use a tongue depressor to measure the appropriate size.
Once you have selected the appropriate size, the next step is to insert the OPA or Guedel into the patient's mouth. Hold the device with the concave side up and insert it into the patient's mouth, following the curve of the hard palate. As you insert the device, rotate it 180 degrees, so that the concave side faces downward.
Once the device is in place, you should check that it is functioning correctly. Look for signs of air exchange, such as chest movement, and listen for breath sounds. If the device is correctly positioned, the patient's breathing should improve.
It is important to note that inserting an OPA or Guedel carries some risks, such as gagging, vomiting, and damage to the teeth or soft tissues in the mouth. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the device is inserted correctly and removed as soon as the patient regains consciousness.
In summary, inserting an oropharyngeal airway or Guedel is an essential skill for healthcare providers working in emergency medicine, critical care, or anesthesia. This RUclips video provides a step-by-step guide to inserting an OPA or Guedel, from selecting the appropriate size to checking for correct function. With this knowledge, healthcare providers can help to keep their patients safe and ensure effective airway management in emergency situations.