When do you insert an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway?

Answer 1

In a pre-hospital emergency situation, someone who will most likely require the insertion on an OPA (oralpharyngeal airway) will be a patient who is unable to keep their airway open themselfs, don't have a gag reflex, and don't have any maxiofacial damage. The whole prodecure is quite short and simple. First, establish the patients gag reflex. This can be accomplished brushing the eyelashes since they operate on the same nerve. If the patient "flinches" the a gag reflex is present, if not then one may continue with the OPA. The OPA is inserted "backwards" then turned 180 degrees, forcing the touge out of the airway and ending the with flange resting on the teeth. Typically the patient is then assisted with respirations via a bag valve mask.

Answer 2

You should use an OPA (oropharyngeal airway) or NPA (nasopharyngeal airway) in less severe cases of upper airway obstruction. For example, an OPA or NPA can be helpful in a child with Pierre-Robin Syndrome causing obstruction of the upper airway at the level of the tongue. An OPA should ONLY be used in an unconscious patient, as it will stimulate gagging. NPA's should be inserted carefully to avoid nasopharyngeal trauma and bleeding. NPA's are CONTRAINDICATED in severe head or facial injuries (bruising behind the ears, raccoon eyes, blood or clear fluid leaking out of the ears or nose), patients on anticoagulants, patients with nasal infections, and patients with nasal deformities.

A nasopharyngeal airway is used when you don't want to intubate the victim. Sometimes all you need is that open airway.
Open airway