If intubation was not initially possible, then alternative techniques need to be employed that can ensure continuous ventilation as well as oxygenation.

This will ideally be possible through the introduction of some type of dedicated supraglottic airway device. This can be used to maintain oxygenation and anaesthesia, as well as acting as a conduit to facilitate tracheal intubation.

The alternatives airways are:

• The classic LMA (cLMA)
• The Intubating LMA (ILMA)
• The ProSeal LMA (PLMA, not specified in DAS guidelines but equally important)