Indications for endotracheal intubation: Cardiopulmonary Arrest Patient in deep coma or unresponsive Shallow or slow respirations (less than 8 per minute) Progressive cyanosis Gastric lavage / gavage Surgical patients where body positioning or facial contours preclude the use of a mask To prevent loss of airway at a later time, i.e. a burn patient who inhales hot gases may be intubated initially to prevent his airway from swelling shut.
