Table 3.

Indications for tracheal intubation

Aim	Example
Ensure upper airway patency	Existing or anticipated airway obstruction: loss of oropharyngeal tissue tone, inhalational injury, infection, trauma, tumour etc
Protect lower airway (against aspiration and soiling	Loss of airway reflexes: low GCS, bulbar dysfunction etc
Ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation	Respiratory failure: hypoxic or hypercapnic Optimize oxygen delivery and consumption (e.g. sepsis) Control of cerebral blood flow
Facilitate secretion clearance and interventions	Tracheo-bronchial suction Bronchoscopy/lavage