Intubation is a technique a doctor can use to keep the airway open by inserting a tube through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (windpipe). Intubation may be needed if the airway is restricted by an injury or infection. It can also be used if you are unconscious and unable to breathe on your own, or if you have heart, lung or brain problems. Medical professionals often use intubation in emergencies, but it can also be planned in advance as part of surgery. Although a useful and common procedure, intubation carries certain risks. Read on for more information on this procedure and how to use it. Intubation is used when people cannot breathe on their own. There are certain situations where intubation is required. Because general anesthesia can interfere with your natural breathing, an anesthesiologist may intubate you to give your body vital oxygen while you are unconscious. During surgery, anesthesia is administered and intubation is performed while you are asleep. During intubation, an anesthesiologist inserts a tube through the mouth or nose. Although these two procedures are similar, the intubation situation usually dictates which method is used. Oral intubation is the most common, especially in emergencies. This is because the mouth is larger, making it easier for the hose to enter. Usually, you will be lying in a hospital bed for this procedure. However, in an emergency, intubation can be performed by paramedics in an ambulance, helicopter, or at the scene of the emergency. Nasal intubation can be used when the mouth is severely injured or otherwise blocked. It is also useful during oral surgery when an intraoral airway tube is in the way. The procedure is the same as the oral approach, but no laryngoscope is required. A small scope that fits in your nose is inserted through your nostrils instead of your mouth. From there it passes through the throat and into the trachea. The main advantage of intubation is the ability to secure an airway. There are many reasons why airways become restricted or blocked. But whatever the reason, this requires urgent medical attention. When the airway closes, it becomes difficult to breathe. Without oxygen, you can lose consciousness or damage vital organs. If enough time passes without oxygen getting into the lungs, it can be fatal. An older study looking at emergency intubation found that the overall risk of complications from intubation was about 39%. Complications were classified as serious in 24% of cases. Intubation and ventilation are not the same, but are often closely related. A tube is used to keep the airway open during intubation. A ventilator, sometimes called a ventilator or respirator, can be attached to the intubation tube. A ventilator helps bring fresh oxygen into the lungs and remove carbon dioxide. When the ventilator takes over breathing, the body has more energy to fight infections or recover from injuries. According to a credible source, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ventilators have been used extensively throughout his COVID-19 pandemic.