An endotracheal tube (ETT) is a flexible tube inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea (windpipe) to establish and protect a definitive airway. Placed during a procedure called intubation, it allows a provider to deliver oxygen and mechanical ventilation directly to the lungs while preventing aspiration of stomach contents.

The ETT is used during cardiac arrest resuscitation, general anesthesia, and respiratory failure. Correct placement is confirmed with methods such as waveform capnography (end-tidal CO2) and chest auscultation, and the tube is secured to prevent movement. As an advanced airway, an ETT lets rescuers provide continuous chest compressions without pausing for breaths, improving the quality of CPR.

CPR Certification Labs provides hands-on, American Heart Association–aligned CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification training to help providers master these life-saving skills.