This is because COVID-19 is affecting your lungs and your ability to breathe. A 2020 review found that more than 80% of credible sources of critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19 required intubation and ventilation. Intubation is a medical technique in which a tube is inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea to keep the airway open. It can be used when the airway is obstructed or when the patient cannot breathe on his or her own. Intubation is a useful and often life-saving procedure, but it also carries risks. In most emergencies, intubation is used only if survival without intubation is difficult. A Do Not Intubate (DNI) order can be issued if you object to intubation, even if it is a life-saving measure. This is a legal document that tells a healthcare professional that you do not want to be intubated and prevents the procedure. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, but always communicate your health concerns to someone you trust or a health care professional. One of the most important tools needed during intubation is a portable suction device. If the patient is bleeding, vomiting, or has excessive mucus or trauma, the oral cavity should be cleaned prior to visualizing the vocal cords. Endotracheal intubation cannot be introduced blindly. To make sure you have passed the cable, you have to make sure the hose is passed through the cable. If not, you are more likely to be intubated into your esophagus. Intubation is a standard procedure for inserting a tube into a person's airway. Doctors often give drugs and help people breathe before surgery or in emergencies. Read this article to learn about when doctors intubate, how the procedure works, and possible side effects. Intubation is a medical procedure in which a flexible plastic tube is inserted into a person's throat. This is a common procedure performed in operating rooms and emergency rooms around the world. The intubation procedure depends on its purpose and whether it is performed in the operating room or in an emergency. In an operating room or other controlled environment, doctors usually sedate the patient with an anesthetic. The doctor then inserts an instrument called a laryngoscope into the person's mouth so that a flexible tube can be inserted. Doctors use a laryngoscope to locate and avoid damaging delicate tissues, such as the vocal cords. If your doctor has vision problems, they can use a small camera to guide you. In the operating room, doctors typically use the airway to help the patient breathe while under anesthesia. After the patient inserts the tube, the doctor listens to the patient's breathing to make sure the tube is in place. Your doctor will usually connect the tube to your ventilator. When the person stops breathing, the doctor removes the tube from the person's throat. In an emergency, a healthcare provider may need to intubate someone to save their life. This is a very useful technique to support airway management and has been a useful tool during the COVID-19 pandemic.