Properly intubating the trachea is a difficult task that takes a lot of practice for initial competency and to maintain the skill. A common—and sometimes fatal—error is that we end up in the patient’s esophagus. Luckily, there are tools and technology that can help us to confirm tube placement not only during initial placement, but to ensure our intubated patient maintains a patent airway and is being adequately ventilated throughout transport.
“An esophageal intubation is no sin, but there is great sin in not recognizing such a placement.”
- U.S. Special Operations Combat Medical Skills Sustainment Course