A Comparison of Four Newer Supraglottic Airway Devices for Airway Management of Entrapped Trauma Patients with Difficult Access—A Randomised, Controlled Manikin Trial

Background: Airway management forms the most important component of pre-hospital trauma patients’ care. In such a setting, the definitive airways may be difficult to establish. This study aimed to evaluate four newer supraglottic airway devices in a simulated condition of an entrapped trauma patient with restricted access. Methods: An intubation manikin with a cervical collar on was placed on the driver’s seat of a passenger car, which was positioned on its left side. The access to the manikin was only allowed from the front. The insertion to successful ventilation (T_iv) time was recorded. First-pass success and the ease of use were also evaluated. Results: The AuraGain device required the shortest median T_iv at 7.5 s (Interquartile Range, IQR 4) vs. 9.5 s (IQR 11), p < 0.001. The AuraGain achieved the highest first-pass success—90%. The Baska mask was the most user-friendly, achieving a mean score of 8.6. Conclusions: The AuraGain outperformed other studied devices concerning the T_iv as well as the first-pass success. The Baska mask was the easiest to use.