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.
