Manikin training for neonatal resuscitation with the laryngeal mask airway

Abstract

We describe our experience of brief (< or =15 min) manikin-only training with the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for neonatal resuscitation in 80 health care workers. Prior to training, 31% had not heard of the LMA, 57% did not know the LMA could be used for neonatal resuscitation and 88% thought it was a disposable device. The mean (SD) range time to insert the LMA after training was 5 (2, 5-16) s and there were no failed insertions. The preferred technique for neonatal resuscitation, before vs after training, changed from 72 to 14% for the face mask (P < 0.00001), from 6 to 80% for the LMA (P < 0.00001), from 5 to 0% for laryngoscope-guided tracheal intubation (P = 0.04) and from 16 to 5% for unknown (P = 0.02). All considered that training was adequate and the LMA should be available on neonatal resuscitation carts. Confidence in using the LMA increased from 8 to 97% (P < 0.0001). We conclude that LMA insertion success rates are high and confidence increases after brief manikin-only training.