The i-gel, a novel supraglottic airway, has been proposed for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We evaluated the performance of this device in manikins and anaesthetised patients when used by novices: medical students, non-anaesthetist physicians and allied health professionals all unfamiliar with the i-gel. Fifty i-gels were placed in manikins. Eighty-eight percent (44/50) were placed on the first attempt with a median insertion time of 14 s (range 7-45). I-gels were placed in 40 healthy anaesthetised patients. Success on the first attempt was 82.5% (33/40) and on the second attempt 15% (6/40). After three attempts there were no failures. Median insertion time was 17.5 s (range 7-197). Median airway seal was 20 cmH(2)O (range 13-40). One case of regurgitation and partial aspiration occurred. Our results suggest the i-gel is rapidly inserted in both manikins and patients by novice users and compares favourably to other supraglottic airways available. Further work determining safety and efficacy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is required.