Endotracheal Intubation – Overview

Endotracheal intubation is a procedure that can help save a life when someone can’t breathe & can’t cough out well.

In this process, a healthcare provider inserts a tube through a person’s mouth, then down into their trachea (airway/windpipe). The tube keeps the trachea open so that air can get through. The tube can be connected to a machine (ventilator) that delivers air or oxygen.

Why would a patient need to be intubated?

Some common conditions that can lead to intubation include:

• Airway obstruction (something caught in the airway, blocking the flow of air)
• Cardiac arrest
• Injury or trauma to your neck, abdomen or chest that affects the airway
• Loss of consciousness or a low level of consciousness
• Need for surgery that will make you unable to breathe on your own
• Respiratory failure or apnea (a temporary stop in breathing)
• Risk for aspiration (breathing in an object or substance such as food, vomit or blood)

Wrapping up…

In critical care, endotracheal intubation is a vital, life-saving procedure for patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own. By securing the airway, intubation ensures oxygen can reach the lungs, supporting the body in emergencies like respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and other severe conditions. Though often performed in urgent situations, it’s a carefully managed procedure by skilled healthcare providers.

Understanding when and why intubation is necessary can help patients and families appreciate its role in critical care and feel more informed during a challenging time.