Today we’re taking a look at a piece of equipment that literally allows us to breathe for our patients

In some emergencies—such as cardiac arrests or severe trauma—patients may not be able to breathe on their own. That’s when our paramedics break out the intubation equipment.

Using a specialized metal tool (called a laryngoscope) along with intubation blades, the paramedic opens and examines the patient’s airway and carefully inserts a tube into the trachea (also known as the windpipe). Once the tube is in place, a small balloon on the end is inflated . A bag valve mask is then attached to the tube, and when that bag is squeezed, air is delivered directly into the patient’s lungs—allowing us to breathe for someone who cannot breathe for themselves. There are also special ventilators that can be hooked to the tube, and they automatically breath for the patient, so the provider can focus on doing other skills.