Intubation is the procedure of inserting a tube into a patient's airway — most commonly an endotracheal tube passed into the trachea — to maintain an open airway and enable mechanical ventilation. It is performed when a patient cannot breathe adequately on their own, needs airway protection, or requires general anesthesia.

The procedure secures a definitive airway, allowing reliable oxygen delivery and protecting the lungs from aspiration. During cardiac arrest, successful intubation lets rescuers provide continuous chest compressions without pausing to give breaths. Correct tube placement is verified using waveform capnography and physical examination, and intubation is a core advanced airway skill taught in ACLS and PALS training.

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.