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)