The laryngeal mask airway (its potential for the military)

The introduction of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in the early 1980s has revolutionised airway management. Clinicians have shown the ease of LMA insertion compared to endotracheal intubation by unskilled personnel. Despite the lack of protection against aspiration of gastric contents, the LMA's ability to maintain the airway and oxygenation warrants its incorporation into military life support protocols and into an integrated respiratory support concept for conventional and NBC operations.