In a perfect world, a patient will be sedated before intubation, but as emergency care providers know, conditions are not often optimal and other approaches are necessary.

Assessing for a gag reflex is a basic skill that can become important in a variety of medical settings. It is also a way to measure brain death. Medical experts, however, now caution against using the gag reflex as a primary determinant of whether to intubate or as a measure of airway health. So first responders must balance competing information and studies to make informed decisions in each individual case. Here’s what you need to know about checking for a gag reflex in an intubated patient. 

Difficult airways come as a surprise in 93% of cases, yet most could have been predicted with the right assessment protocols. More than 5% of airways would get a high difficulty score from an assessment. But with the right preparation, the risks plummet.

Intubation forms a cornerstone of advanced airway management, giving patients oxygen in both emergencies and the surgical suite, in addition to providing long-term breathing support for critically ill patients. Patients will need both immediate and longer-term support following intubation, regardless of the reason for the procedure. Monitoring patients during intubation and providing appropriate follow-up care and support can improve outcomes as well as quality of life.

Few EMS procedures are as important as tracheal intubation. However, this procedure can also be challenging, and not just for novice providers. If skills are not initially mastered and frequently practiced, intubation success rates plummet, and placement of an advanced airway doesn't occur.

Asthma is a common affliction, affecting 8% to 10% e of the population. Many childhood asthmatics grow out of the disorder in adulthood, so a disproportionate percentage of people with asthma are children. For most people, asthma is a minor inconvenience akin to – and often associated with – seasonal allergies. An unlucky fraction of asthmatics, however, have a more severe form of the illness.

Airway decontamination is the first step to successful tracheal intubation. In various scenarios, such as medical emergencies, accidents and surgical procedures, ensuring that the airway remains clear and free from obstruction is of paramount importance.

Prehospital care is a sector of the medical field that is constantly evolving with new research and advancements. When it comes to prehospital care for pediatric patients, things can get a little tricky. One of the most pressing questions that comes up when a provider is navigating prehospital care for a child is, “Should I utilize an intubation tube or not?” There are several important factors providers must understand and consider to make the most informed decisions about intubation during prehospital pediatric care.

As we know, no two people are the same, and the same standard goes for each person’s airway. Airways come in all shapes and sizes, and to provide better care for patients, practitioners should understand how to treat and overcome the challenges associated with difficult airways. Providers knowing what to do and what not to do when encountering difficult airways is essential for tracheal intubation.