Physio-Control and Aircraft Medical are teaming up to distribute the McGrath MAC EMS video laryngoscope to emergency medical services (EMS) customers throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia¹ and New Zealand, the companies announced.

Designed and manufactured by Aircraft Medical, the McGrath MAC EMS combines direct and indirect view laryngoscopy, offers a bright, clear video image to assist paramedics during difficult intubations and supports traditional Macintosh laryngoscope training and techniques, executives said. The device — to be distributed by Physio-Control — features an intuitive, rugged design and is inexpensive to operate.

Unlike many video laryngoscopes, the McGrath MAC EMS is based on the design of a traditional Macintosh laryngoscope with the added benefit of a video camera and screen. The McGrath MAC EMS incorporates both direct and indirect laryngeal views without the need for paramedics to learn a new skill, according to the companies. From routine to extreme airway situations, in pediatric or adult cases, multiple disposable blade options provide a familiar curvature with an anterior camera angle. The device’s CameraStick is reinforced with a steel-core alloy chassis, tested to double the industry drop standard and is compact, cable-free and fully-immersible for cleaning. The device boasts a battery life of up to 250 minutes, with minutes of use remaining clearly displayed on screen.

The device was designed and developed over a five-year period by industrial designer Matt McGrath, CEO of Aircraft Medical. “The most common feedback on the product is its ease of use, that it feels familiar, and the enhancement of visualising tube placement is a big advantage clinically,” noted McGrath. “It is reported to reduce the frequency of difficult airways when used routinely –- this means using one instrument, rather than swapping out for other equipment if things get tough. Users are attracted to the McGrath MAC EMS because it offers both routine and difficult airway capability in one compact portable device, and is available at sensible pricing.”

Successful airway management is one of the most important and difficult EMS tasks, but the complex and unpredictable nature of EMS cases adds to the challenge of performing a quick and successful endotracheal intubation. Studies² have shown that video laryngoscopes can improve laryngeal view and help increase EMS confidence and success in the field.

“We are excited to partner with Aircraft Medical as we expand our emergency medical response portfolio to include airway management. The McGrath MAC EMS is a great addition to the Physio-Control product lineup,” said Cam Pollock, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Physio-Control.

Physio-Control Inc. is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company was founded in 1955, operates in over 100 countries and provides professional emergency medical response solutions that predict or intervene in life-threatening emergencies. The company’s products include Lifepak monitor/defibrillators and automated external defibrillators, the Lifenet System, HealthEMS electronic patient care reporting software, Lucas 2 Chest Compression System, TrueCPR coaching device and implementation for PulsePoint mobile bystander response applications.

Aircraft Medical develops and makes medical devices focused on the needs of anesthesia, critical care and emergency medical service professionals. The company is headquartered near Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, and has supply chain management and research and development capability based in Hong Kong, China.

References:
1 – Pending Australian TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approval
2 – Aziz M, Dillman D, Kirsch J, et al. Video laryngoscopy with the Macintosh video laryngoscope in simulated prehospital scenarios by paramedic students. Prehospital Emergency Care. 2009:13:251-255.

Watch the video below to learn more about the McGrath EMS video laryngoscope: