1. Rapid Sequence Intubation
Presented By
Dr. Ummay Sumaiya
ICU DOCTOR| IQARUS | Medical Treatment Facility /
IQARUS - Cox’s Bazar - Bangladesh

2. Introduction
 Rapid sequence induction is intended to achieve a definitive
airway rapidly so as to minimize risk of airway soiling and
achieve rapid control of ventilation. The intent is to create
the best intubating conditions possible. Conduct of RSI
requires a disciplined team approach with careful planning,
role delineation and consideration of patient factors such as
anatomy and pathology. Planning should factor into
consideration difficult or failed intubation with a clearly
articulated plan.

3. Patient Assessment
 The patient must be assessed as best possible for predictors
of difficult intubation whilst remaining cognisant of the fact
that many difficult intubations have no obvious predictors.
All emergency intubations should be considered potentially
difficult.
 Several anatomical measures have been helpful in predicting
difficulty, these may be summarised in the mnemonic
LEMON

4. Patient Assessment : LEMON
 L - Look for anatomical indicators of difficult intubation; large tongue,
protruding teeth, beard / moustache, large breasts.
 E - Evaluate 3-3-2; measure mouth opening 3 fingers width, hyoid-
mental distance 3 fingers width, thyro-hyoid distance 2 fingers width.
Variations on these distances may predict difficulty.
 M - Mallampatti, in practice this may not be possible in the emergency
setting as evaluation involves a cooperative seated upright patient.
 O - Obstruction look for evidence of airway obstruction, injury (facial or
soft tissue neck), masses, swelling, foreign bodies, scarring, stridor,
dysphonia
 N - Neck mobility, c-spine precautions, rheumatological conditions (RA,
Ankylosing spondylitis, surgical fusion), previous radiotherapy.

5. Preparation & Equipment
 Patient preparation includes positioning, pre-oxygenation,
ensuring adequate monitoring and lines in place.
Consideration should also be given to access to the patient,
ideally 360° access.
 The optimal position for intubation is one in which the
patient’s external auditory meatus is aligned with the sternal
notch in the vertical plane. This is also known as the ramped
position; in obese patients this may require a number of
pillows and towels positioned under shoulders and neck.

6. Preparation & Equipment
 If cervical spine injury is suspected the ramped position is
not possible, a person must be allocated the role of manual
in-line stabilization of the neck. This will allow the collar to be
removed for intubation but still makes for a more difficult
intubation than would otherwise be the case. The goal of
pre-oxygenation is to maximize oxygenation and flush out
nitrogen from the lungs and ensure a greater reservoir of
oxygen available for gas exchange whilst apnoeic. Pre-
oxygenation is generally achieved by spontaneous breathing
high flow oxygen via a face mask, usually for a minimum of
three minutes.

7. Preparation & Equipment
 Be aware that for effective pre-oxygenation with a bag-
valve-mask apparatus a patient must be able to generate
sufficient negative pressure to open the valve, for many
patients this may be difficult, and a non-rebreather mask will
be better.
 A patient with ineffective breathing may need to be assisted
to achieve adequate pre-oxygenation with assisted breaths
applied via B-V-M with PEEP valve (with cricoid pressure in
place) or via Noninvasive Ventilation.
 In addition to pre-oxygenation the practice of applying high
flow oxygen via nasal prongs to the apnoeic patient may buy
further time for intubation prior to desaturation.

8. Preparation & Patient
 All personnel should be assigned specific roles and confirmation
that they understand these roles be sought. Roles may include,
depending on numbers available:
 Intubator : Makes plan, executes intubation / airway procedures,
maintains situational awareness.
 Airway assistant: Runs check list with intubator , passes equipment
and anticipates next step according to plan, monitors time and
patient.
 Drug administration: Very explicit instructions must be given
explaining what is in syringe, what volume is to be given (mark the
syringe if necessary), ensure line free flowing and drugs do not
flow back up into bag. Instruct regarding order of administration,
speed and flushing.

9. Preparation & Patient
 Cricoid pressure: May not be used, often obscures airway, of
doubtful benefit, if used have low threshold for removal
when difficulties occur. Ensure operator knows how to
perform, when to apply and when to release.
 MILS (Manual In-Line Stabilization ): Ensure operator knows
how to perform and is positioned such that will not interfere
with access to airway, may be preferable with a caudal
position.
 Scribe
 Runner

10. Induction & Paralyzing
 Induction agent and paralysis are given in pre-determined
doses rapidly with generous flushes in between:
 If cricoid pressure is to be used it should commence as soon
as there is loss of consciousness.
 If suxamethonium is used onset of paralysis will be indicated
by fasciculation (this may be subtle)
 Do not ventilate the patient at this point.

11. Intubation and Confirmation of Placement
 Intubation should proceed promptly with a focus on
maintaining oxygenation and prompt progression to failed
or difficult intubation drill if failing.
 Tube placement is confirmed by a continuous ETCO2
waveform and seeing the tube pass through the cords.
 Both axillae and stomach should be auscultated in addition
to checking ETCO2 waveform.

12. Anaesthetic Drugs - Induction agents
Anaesthetic Drugs
Induction agents
Thiopentone – dose 1–3mg/kg
Traditional gold standard for RSI due to rapid onset and
predictable degree of anaesthesia.
Side Effects hypotension
Benefits head injuries (lowers ICP; anticonvulsant)

13. Anaesthetic Drugs - Induction agents
Anaesthetic Drugs
Induction agents
Propofol – dose 0.5–2mg/kg
Profound respiratory depressant.
Side Effects More hypotensive compared with thiopentone (therefore not
suitable for most emergency inductions).
Benefits Useful as ongoing sedation for ventilated patient if plan is to
awaken soon after admission.

14. Anaesthetic Drugs - Induction agents
Anaesthetic Drugs
Induction agents
Ketamine – dose 1-2mg/kg
Dissociative anaesthetic (causes state of profound analgesia and
anaesthesia where patient may appear awake).
Airway reflexes are NOT preserved at induction doses.
Causes increase in sympathetic activity resulting in increased BP
,
increased ICP and bronchodilation
Indications: acute asthma, profound hypovolaemic shock (eg.
AAA).
Contraindications head injuries (relative) IHD.

15. Anaesthetic Drugs - Induction agents
Fentanyl - dose 3μg/kg
Short-acting opiate; profound respiratory depressant.
Useful in combination with other induction agents (allows smaller
doses to be used, causing less hypotension)
Avoid in shocked patients who are relying on their sympathetic
drive to maintain their BP as fentanyl Abolishes this and can result
in severe hypotension
Prevents the rise in ICP from laryngoscopy in head injured
High doses can cause chest wall muscle rigidity and difficulty in
ventilation (treat with suxamethonium).

16. Anaesthetic Drugs - Sedation agents
Anaesthetic Drugs -
Sedation agents
Midazolam – dose 0.15mg/kg
Slow onset of action and hypotension has resulted in it no
longer being considered suitable for RSI.
Has amnestic and anticonvulsant properties.
Useful in ongoing sedation of ventilated patient.

17. Anaesthetic Drugs - Sedation agents
Anaesthetic
Drugs - Sedation
agents
Morphine – dose 0.1–0.2mg/kg
Sometimes used as an adjunct to other induction agents.
Less reliable respiratory depression and suppression of airway
slow onset and hypotension Has meant it is no longer recommended
for RSI.
Useful with midazolam as ongoing sedation of ventilated patient.

18. Anaesthetic Drugs - Neuromuscular blockers
Suxamethonium – dose 1-2mg/kg
Non-competitive depolarizing neuromuscular blocker.
IV administration leads to fasciculations 10–15 sec.
Maximum paralysis 30–60 sec
Return of spontaneous respirations 3–5 mins
Full ventilatory capacity 8-10 mins.

19. Anaesthetic Drugs - Neuromuscular
blockers – side effects
Side effects of
Suxamethonium
Fasciculations leading to increased intragastric, intraocular &
intracranial pressures (possible clinical significance).
Increased serum K+ (up to 0.5mmol/L in average patient; up to
5-10mmol/L in patients with burns or crush injuries >48 hrs, or
those with NM disorders.
Patients with renal failure who are not hyperkaliaemic can be
given suxamethonium)
Bradycardia (especially children or repeated doses in adults)

20. Side effects of Suxamethonium
Scoline apnoea (congenital absence of pseudocholinesterase
results in prolongation of paralysis (hrs) – not a
in most patients ventilated for transport as usually ventilated
longer than this).
Malignant hyperthermia (genetic skeletal muscle abnormality
triggered by inhalational anaesthetics and suxamethonium
to muscle rigidity and breakdown, autonomic instability,
hyperkalemia and acute renal failure. Often fatal.) Treated with
dantrolene.

21. Anaesthetic Drugs - Neuromuscular blockers
Rocuronium – dose 1-1.5mg/kg (in RSI); 0.15mg/kg (Ongoing
Relaxation)
Competitive, non-depolarizing blocker.
Indications as above but more rapid onset makes it an attractive
option where suxamethonium contraindicated and rapid
intubation conditions desirable.
Intubating conditions in 60 sec.

22. Anaesthetic Drugs - Neuromuscular
blockers
Rocuronium
Duration 10-40 minutes. Sugammadex, used for rapid reversal.
Preference for rocuronium over suxamethonium is a clinical
based on a number of factors including patient issues, clinician
experience and need to secure an airway by either oral or surgical
means regardless.
Minimal side effects.

23. Anaesthetic Drugs - Neuromuscular
blockers
Vecuronium – 0.1mg/kg (Ongoing Relaxation)
Competitive, non-depolarizing blocker
Indications: intubation in patients where suxamethonium
contraindicated, ongoing relaxation in ventilated patient
IV administration→ onset of paralysis 90 sec