INTUBATION SIMULATION Fentanyl or Morphine — opioid (1-2 mcg/kg)
Induction agents/ Anesthetic drugs
Ketamine: 1–1.5 mg/kg IV (maintains BP, good for asthma)
Etomidate: 0.2-0.6 mg/kg IV
1. Assess the Airway (Use the LEMON criteria)
Propofol: 1–2.5 mg/kg IV (may cause hypotension)
Look externally for facial trauma, large tongue, beard, etc.
Evaluate 3-3-2 rule: Paralytics/ Muscle relaxant
Succinylcholine: 1–1.5 mg/kg IV
o Mouth opening ≥ 3 fingers
Atracurium: 0.4-0.5 mg/kg IV
o Mentum to hyoid ≥ 3 fingers
o Hyoid to thyroid notch ≥ 2 fingers Induction agents
Mallampati Score: Grade 1–4 Ketamine: 1 mg/kg IV (maintains BP, good for asthma)
Obstruction: Any signs of swelling, infection, trauma? Etomidate: 0.3 mg/kg IV (less commonly used in infants)
Neck mobility: Flexion and extension capability Propofol: 1–2 mg/kg IV (may cause hypotension)
✅ This anticipates difficult airways and prepares for backup Paralytics/ Muscle Relaxant
options if necessary. Succinylcholine: 1–2 mg/kg IV
Pediatric airways are smaller, more anterior, and easily Rocuronium: 1.2 mg/kg IV
compromised.
Medications provide optimal intubating conditions, reduce injury
2. Prepare Equipment (Mnemonic: SOAP ME) and resistance.
Item Checklist In emergencies or neonates, may perform no-drug or sedated-only
Suction Yankauer tip, functional intubation.
Oxygen Bag-valve mask (BVM), NRB mask
Airway tools Laryngoscope (check light), ET tubes (check cuff), stylet, 5. Have patient on SNIFFING position
oral airway Flexion at the level of the neck and extension at the level of
Pharmaceuticals Induction & paralytics (Etomidate, Succinylcholine) atlanto-occipital alignment (align external auditory meatus with
Monitors Pulse oximetry, BP, ECG sternal notch)
End-tidal CO₂ Capnography (colorimetric or waveform) Elevate head 20°–30° if needed (especially in obese patients)
✅ Prevents failure due to missing or malfunctioning equipment. ✅ Proper positioning improves glottic visualization and ease of
intubation.
Laryngoscope In Pediatrics patients, use a shoulder roll to elevate the chest and
Blade sizes: keep the head neutral. Sniffing position isn’t appropriate for
size 3-4 in adults (male: 4, female: 3) infants — neutral alignment is ideal.”
Endotracheal Tube (ETT): Pediatric occiput is large— improper positioning can flex the neck
Optimal depth formula: and block the airway.
Height of px in cm/7) - 2.5
Estimate:
23 cm in males
21 cm in females
Optimal distance from carina: 4 cm
Pediatric Laryngoscope:
Blade type:
Miller (straight) for neonates/infants
Macintosh (curved) for older children
Blade sizes:
Size 0: Preterm
Size 1: Neonate
Size 2: Infant–toddler
Size 3: School-aged
Endotracheal Tube (ETT):
Cuffed or uncuffed (Cuffed tubes are now accepted in most children >3 kg
with proper cuff pressure monitoring)
Size formula:
Cuffed: (Age ÷ 4) + 3.5
Uncuffed: (Age ÷ 4) + 4 6. Perform Intubation
ETT insertion depth: Laryngoscope on the left hand
Depth Formula: Open the mouth with right hand (“scissor” technique)
(ETT size × 3) or (Age ÷ 2) + 12 Insert blade into right side of mouth, sweeping tongue to the left
o Miller: Lift epiglottis directly
3. Pre-oxygenate (3–5 mins) o Macintosh: Place tip in vallecula, lift indirectly
100% O₂ via NRB mask or BVM with reservoir Advance blade until epiglottis is visualized
Ensure good seal and chest rise Lift up and away at 45° angle—do not lever on the teeth
✅ This builds oxygen reserve, reducing hypoxia risk during apnea Then, visualize vocal cords
Children desaturate rapidly due to high metabolic rate and low O₂ ✅ Technique ensures visualization of cords without causing trauma.
reserve.
7. Inserting Endotracheal Tube (ETT)
4. Administer Sedative/ Paralytics Use right hand to insert ETT through cords
Sedative/induction (Etomidate, Propofol, Ketamine) Typical depth at teeth/gums: 21 cm (women), 23 cm (men)
Paralytic (Succinylcholine or Rocuronium) 12-16 cm depending on age (Age ÷ 2) + 12 (Pedia)
Time onset of drugs (45–60 sec) Remove stylet carefully while stabilizing the tube
✅ Sedation and paralysis optimize intubation condition and reduce Inflate cuff with air (check for leak)
the gag reflex. ✅ Tube placement within the trachea ensures airway control; cuff
inflation seals the airway.
Sedative
8. Confirm Placement
Attach Bag-Valve-Mask and give 5 breaths
Look chest rise, auscultate for bilateral breath sounds and absence
of epigastric sounds or gurgling
Use capnography (gold standard): look for sustained waveform
Check SpO₂ levels
✅ Confirmation avoids complications from esophageal intubation
9. Secure the Tube
Note depth at lips/teeth
Use commercial ETT holder or tape
Reassess tube placement after securing
✅ Prevents accidental extubation or migration of the tube
10. Post-Intubation Management
Chest X-ray to confirm placement
Adult: 3–5 cm above carina
Pedia: 1-2 cm above carina
Continue sedation/paralysis if needed
Set up ventilator or continue bagging
Document: date, time, drugs, ETT size/depth, confirmation method
🧠 ADDITIONAL TIPS
Always have backup airways ready: LMA, video laryngoscope,
cricothyrotomy kit
In difficult airways, consider video laryngoscopy
Avoid repeated attempts (>2): call for help early
In cardiac arrest: prioritize minimal interruption of compressions
⚠️Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
Using wrong ETT size (too small = air leak, too big = trauma)
Inadequate oxygenation before attempt
Delayed or missed esophageal intubation
Overinflated cuff
Poor ETT securing (high dislodgement risk in kids)