A Comparison of Insertion and Success Rate in the Use of Two Methods of Endotracheal Intubation and Laryngeal Mask Airway

Background and Objectives: Providing and making airway is the first known measure that comes to mind at an emergency situation. Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is an alternative for airway management, which its insertion training in beginners and professionals is easier than endotracheal intubation. This study was conducted to compare the speed of insertion and success rate in using two LMA and ETT methods in nursing students. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 49 last year nursing students were selected by simple random sampling method. After airway management training course, the students were tested on endotracheal intubation and LMA insertion in a manikin. Data were analyzed using t-test at the p<0.05 significance level. Results: The time for endotracheal intubation was obtained 28.73 s and for LMA was 5.05 s. Also, gender of the students had no significant relationship with airway management (p=0.45). Ninety-eight percent of the student succeeded to insert LMA with no error, but this rate for ETT was just 28%. Conclusion: Given that shorter time, lower error, and ease of insertion of LMA in comparison with the ETT method, use of this method is recommended as an appropriate alternative for endotracheal intubation, especially in emergency situation