QuestionHello, Under what circumstances may intubation be too difficult to perform? Also if intubation is unsuccessful the first time what are the number two and three options for a ER doctor or paramedic? Thank you for your time Robert.. Mark
Answerlots of circumstances... a bleeding patient, or one with a lot of vomit... a short neck, a real overweight patient, one who has had a neck injury (fracture) If intubation is difficult, then always go back to bagging the patient with a mask which works for a while... it doesn't protect the patient from inhaling vomit, but can give the pt oxygen. The next step is to get the most qualified person in. Then, if possible, use a scope to direct the tube into the right spot. If all that doesn't work and it is absolutely necessary, then you put the tube in via a tracheostomy, ie, cut thru the neck.
