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- Tube depth and bilateral chest rise.
- Continuous waveform EtCO₂.
- Circuit connected, oxygen source on, PEEP valve/ventilator functioning.
- Cuff inflated and no major leak.
Rescue pathway
Hypoxia: tube / circuit problem
Prove the tube and oxygen delivery before chasing rare causes.
Clinical review / use limits
Authored by: Airway of the Month education team. Last reviewed: July 2026. Audience: EM learners, faculty, EMS, RT, simulation educators, and airway teams.
This is an educational cognitive-aid scaffold, not a bedside order set. Verify medications, ventilator changes, pediatric dosing, and procedures against local ED, ICU, anesthesia, pharmacy, RT, EMS, and pediatric policies.
Resources · Editorial policy · ACEP intubation policy · ARDS ventilation reference