How should an oropharyngeal airway be inserted?

The correct method for inserting an oropharyngeal airway is to insert it towards the roof of the mouth and then rotate it 180 degrees. This technique allows the airway to navigate past the tongue and into the oropharynx effectively. By initially positioning the airway with the curved side facing the roof of the mouth, you can prevent the tongue from obstructing the passage. The subsequent rotation ensures that the airway sits properly in the correct anatomical position to maintain a clear airway.

This approach is particularly valuable when managing patients who present with altered levels of consciousness where the airway may be compromised. Using this insertion method reduces the risk of gagging or pushing the tongue further back, which could obstruct the airway instead of keeping it patent.