Do
- Pass suction catheter if safe/appropriate.
- Check for mucus plug, blood, kink, biting, or occlusion.
- Consider tube exchange if obstruction cannot be cleared.
Vent control
Secretions / mucus / blood branch
Tube obstruction can masquerade as high pressure or hypoxia.
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