Core teaching points
- Preoxygenation active
- Apnea timer started
- View suctioned clean
- Epiglottis/arytenoids/cords identified
- Tube passed deliberately
- Placement proven with waveform EtCO₂
Teaching step
Step 3: Airway
Execute deliberately: oxygenate, clean the view, identify landmarks, pass under vision, and prove placement.
Pearls
Tube passage is a visual task. Slow the learner down at the moment of success: hover, optimize, wait, and pass through identifiable anatomy.
Room script: We are oxygenated. Meds are in. I am cleaning the view, identifying landmarks, passing under vision, and proving placement with continuous waveform capnography.
Pitfalls
- Advancing into a contaminated or dark view
- Trying the exact same technique again after failure
- Passing tube before landmarks are clear
- Declaring success without continuous waveform EtCO₂