What is the Rusch Nasopharyngeal Airway with Lubricating Jelly? The Rusch NPA is a single-use nasopharyngeal airway adjunct available in eight sizes (22–36 French), packaged with an attached surgical lubricant packet for immediate deployment. Made from soft, flexible PVC, it is designed to maintain airway patency in semi-conscious or unconscious patients with an intact gag reflex. The 28 Fr size aligns with CoTCCC-recommended sizing for adult trauma casualties. Latex-free and designed to resist dislodgment during transport.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Rusch (Teleflex Medical) |
| SKUs | MEDTAC0499 (28F), MEDTAC0500 (22F), MEDTAC0501 (24F), MEDTAC0502 (26F), MEDTAC0503 (30F), MEDTAC0504 (32F), MEDTAC0505 (34F), MEDTAC0506 (36F) |
| Available Sizes | 22 Fr, 24 Fr, 26 Fr, 28 Fr, 30 Fr, 32 Fr, 34 Fr, 36 Fr |
| Material | Soft, flexible PVC; latex-free |
| Lubricant Included | Yes — attached surgical lubricant packet |
| Use | Single-use, sterile |
| CoTCCC Status | 28 Fr size CoTCCC-recommended for adult trauma casualties |
| Weight (28F) | 0.5 oz (packaged) |
| Packaged Dimensions (28F) | 6 in. L × 1.6 in. W × 0.5 in. D (approx.) |
| NSN (28F) | 6515-01-529-1187 |
| Origin | USA |
Size Selection Guide
| Size (Fr) | Approximate OD | Typical Patient |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Fr | ~7.3 mm | Small pediatric / small female adult |
| 24 Fr | ~8.0 mm | Average female, smaller male |
| 26 Fr | ~8.7 mm | Average adult female/male |
| 28 Fr | ~9.3 mm | Average adult male — CoTCCC-recommended default |
| 30 Fr | ~10.0 mm | Larger adult male |
| 32 Fr | ~10.7 mm | Large adult male |
| 34 Fr | ~11.3 mm | Large/tall adult male |
| 36 Fr | ~12.0 mm | Very large adult male |
Product Overview
The Rusch Nasopharyngeal Airway with Lubricating Jelly is a trusted airway adjunct from Teleflex Medical, designed for rapid deployment in pre-hospital trauma care. Unlike an oropharyngeal airway (OPA), the NPA does not require an absent gag reflex — making it the preferred first-line airway tool for semi-conscious trauma patients. The soft PVC construction conforms gently to nasal anatomy, reducing mucosal trauma during insertion and during patient movement.
The attached lubricant packet is a critical time-saving feature in tactical environments: the provider does not need to carry a separate lubricant, reducing kit components and preparation time. The NPA slides into position rapidly following lubrication, establishing a nasopharyngeal passage that bypasses tongue-based obstruction — the most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious trauma patients.
Rusch NPAs are widely stocked in military medical kits, EMS jump bags, and hospital emergency carts. The full eight-size range (22–36 Fr) makes this product appropriate for pediatric through large adult male patients. The 28 Fr remains the CoTCCC-recommended standard for adult care under fire and tactical field care situations. Per 2024 CoTCCC guidelines, after NPA insertion in an unconscious casualty, position the patient in the recovery position with the chin tilted away from the chest to maximize airway patency.
Contraindications
- Suspected basilar skull fracture — signs include Battle's sign (retroauricular bruising), raccoon eyes, or CSF leak from ears/nose. Risk of intracranial placement.
- Severe midface trauma — disruption of nasopharynx or skull base
- Known obstructing nasal pathology or significant nasal fracture in insertion path
- Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy (epistaxis risk)
- Recent nasal or sinus surgery
- Suspected epiglottitis
How to Insert
- Select correct size — measure nares to tragus (earlobe), or match to nostril diameter. Default to 28 Fr for average adult males.
- Apply lubricant — coat tip and shaft generously from attached packet. Water-soluble only.
- Select nostril — right nostril preferred in most patients; inspect for obstruction or deformity.
- Insert — bevel toward septum, advance perpendicular to face (not upward), gentle rotating motion if resistance encountered.
- Advance to flange — stop at nares. Assess for air movement.
- Reassess and secure — if patient gags, exchange for smaller size. Consider safety pin through flange to prevent migration.
For a complete tactical airway management solution, see MED-TAC International's full Airway Management collection.
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
