Preparation:

1. Maintain the patient’s ABCs (Airway, Breathing and Circulation)
2. Assemble and prepare the required equipments
• Endotracheal tube
• 10 cc Syringe
• Stylet
• Water soluble lubrication
• Stethoscope
• Magill forceps
• Laryngoscope handle
• Laryngoscope blade
• Miller blade (straight blade)
• Macintosh blade (curved blade)
• Oropharyngeal airway (bite block)
• Tape
• Gloves
• Ambu-bag
• Suction Device
3. Position the patient where the mouth, pharynx and trachea are aligned, giving a direct visual of the vocal cords.
4. A folded towel may be placed under the patients shoulders and neck to assist with positioning

Before Intubation

1. The patient is sedated via an intravenous tube
2. The patient’s vital signs are monitored with a blood pressure cuff and ECG.
3. A clip is also hooked on the patient’s finger that helps monitor the oxygen level.
4. Anesthesia is then administered to put the patient to sleep to begin the intubation procedure.

During Intubation

1. Once the patient is asleep, a muscle relaxant is given to relax the muscles of the vocal cords and maintain its opening.
2. To visualize the larynx, a blade and handle are used.
3. The tube is inserted between the vocal folds with the help of the stylet.
4. Once the top end of the cuff reaches the vocal folds it is inflated and the patient is then hooked up to the anesthesia machine.

After Intubation

1. After the procedure, the mask is removed and anesthetics are administered.
2. The machine helps the patient to breathe while supplying gas anesthesia.
3. The patient’s throat is then suctioned.
4. The therapist or the physician waits for the patient to awaken before the process of extubation, or the removal of the endotracheal tube, is done.

Reference: Operational Medicine 2001

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Tags: GA, Intubation

Last updated: May 16, 2012

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