How To Perform An Endotracheal Intubation
Imagine you are unconscious and being rushed to the hospital. Your airway is compromised and you need to be intubated. Once you are released from the hospital you wonder how they intubate someone and what steps are taken. The ability to secure a patient’s airway is crucial in the management of acutely life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Endotracheal intubation can be hazardous, particularly as patients may have deteriorated rapidly or may have combined respiratory and cardiovascular failure. Paramedics need a clear understanding of their role due to the stressful and life-threatening process. When doing an endotracheal intubation the doctors and paramedics must follow these well developed rules in order to perform proficiently.
The first step you’ll need to perform is to put on your personal protective equipment. You will need to open the patient’s mouth and suction if necessary. Then listen to the patient’s lung sounds to establish a baseline. After you listen to the patient’s lungs sounds have an assistant hyperventilate the patient with 100% oxygen using a bag-valve-mask(BVM).
The second step to take will be for you to assemble and prepare the equipment needed for the intubation. You will need to select the proper size blade and laryngoscope, along with an ET tube, stylet, and syringe. Attach the blade to the handle of the laryngoscope and check the blade for a bright light. Once you verify the light is working position the blade into the unlocked position (closed) to conserve battery power.
The third step in performing an endotracheal intubation is to select the proper ET tube size. The sizes range for males are 8.0 and for females 7.5. ET tube sizes for children run smaller and are based on their height. Insert the stylet into the ET tube, making sure that the end is recessed at least one-half inch from the tip of the tube. Grab the syringe and inflate the balloon on the ET tube with 10cc of air making...