Endotracheal intubation utilizes a plastic flexible tube that is placed in the patient’s windpipe. The tube is connected to the ventilator and oxygen is forced into the patient’s lungs. Endotracheal intubation is an effective way to treat patients who are confused or unconscious.
Unconscious patients are at risk for vomiting and then inhaling the vomitus into their lungs. This can result in a serious and sometimes fatal pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia. Endotracheal intubation can help to prevent this complication.