Insertion aid for oral and nasal medical devices

A method of using an insertion aid device, the method comprising:

• (a) providing an insertion aid device that comprises
• (i) a handle comprising a distal end,
• (ii) a tongue depressor comprising a proximal end adjacent the distal end of the handle and a distal end,
• (iii) a tracheal suction catheter guide comprising a first opening adjacent the proximal end of the tongue depressor, a second opening adjacent the distal end of the tongue depressor, and an enclosed channel connecting the first opening to the second opening;
• and
• (iv) a guide adjacent the distal end of the tongue depressor, wherein the guide comprises a recess formed by a pair of prongs that extend from the distal end of the tongue depressor adjacent the second opening, wherein each tong comprises a longitudinal axis that substantially aligns with the radius of curvature of the tongue depressor;
• (b) inserting the insertion aid device into a patient's mouth until the distal end of the tongue depressor is placed in contact with the lower portion of the patient's mouth in a location where the tongue depressor extends substantially along an entire length of the patient's tongue without entering the patient's throat;
• (c) inserting a tracheal suction catheter into the patient's narias until the tracheal suction catheter is visible in the back of the patient's mouth;
• and
• (d) engaging the guide with the tracheal suction catheter by positioning the tracheal suction catheter between the pair of prongs.