You prepare to intubate the patient using a rapid sequence induction protocol: etomidate, succinylcholine, 8-0 endotracheal tube.
Or do you?
This Paucis Verbis card discusses the delayed sequence intubation (DSI) protocol made famous by Dr. Scott Weingart (EMCrit blog). Thanks to Dr. Michelle Reina (EM resident at Univ of Utah) and Dr. Rob Bryant (Intermountain Medical Center in Utah) for designing this helpful card. Rob has even implemented a DSI protocol in his ED.
The card breaks down the reasoning and steps behind DSI. Anecdotally, ketamine has often calmed patients down enough during the preoxygenation phase to enhance oxygenation/ventilation so much so that intubation is not required.
Feel free to download this card and print on a 4'' x 6'' index card.
See other Paucis Verbis cards.
References
Weingart SD, Levitan RM. Preoxygenation and prevention of desaturation during emergency airway management. Ann Emerg Med. 2012 Mar;59(3):165-75.e1. PubMed PMID: 22050948. Link to free PDF