The COVID-19 virus is leaving many patients with difficulty breathing, maintaining adequate oxygen levels and lung damage. When lung damage occurs, oftentimes the lungs are left filling with liquid, the throat swells or bleeding happens. When obstructions like this begin, it’s very difficult for the lungs to successfully deliver oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide. The fastest process used to save patients in these emergency scenarios is the Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) procedure. 

What is Rapid Sequence Intubation?

Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) is an emergency procedure that involves sedating a patient and placing a flexible plastic tube in a patient’s airway. This procedure is used when the patient has acute respiratory failure or cannot maintain an open airway on their own. Once the tracheal tube is placed in the patient’s throat, it is connected to a mechanical ventilator, as it breathes for the patient. The ventilation is an imperative part of the process as it delivers oxygen to the lungs and removes carbon dioxide. 

How is Rapid Sequence Intubation performed? 

During Rapid Sequence Intubation, doctors perform a wide range of steps that happen relatively fast. These steps are are first given anesthesia through an IV--this puts them to sleep and keeps them comfortable during intubation. Extra oxygen is given through a mask and then more IV medicine is given to relax the patient’s muscles (this keeps the patient from gagging when the tube goes in). The doctor then uses a special instrument called a laryngoscope to light up the airway in order to ensure proper placement of the airway tube. Once the tube is in the right place, a cuff on the end of the tube is inflated. This keeps the tube in place and prevents air from leaking around the tube. When intubation is done, the doctor will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope. This makes sure that the tube is in the right position and air is delivered to both lungs. Unless there are problems, the whole process of RSI takes about 5 minutes. The tube stays in place to support the patient’s breathing while the lungs heal. More IV medication is given to keep the patient comfortable during this time. 

RSI Information for Nursing, Paramedic & Respiratory Therapy Students

DiaMedical USA and SimLabSolutions are proud to offer a new Rapid Sequence Intubation Training Bundle for healthcare program instructors. Created by a DiaMedical Nurse Educator, the RSI Trainer Bundle has all needed equipment and supplies. Skills include administration of IV drugs for induction and neuromuscular blockade, intubation with a laryngoscope and confirmation of ET tube placement. Learning materials are provided for students along with helpful RSI mnemonics and pharmacology basics. For more information, reach out to DiaMedical USA and contact your account manager at 877-593-6011 or email us at info@diamedicalusa.com