Consider
- Massive PE/RV failure, pulmonary hypertension, tamponade physiology, hemorrhage, sepsis, cardiogenic shock.
- Avoid unnecessary high PEEP/pressure; support preload/perfusion/RV as clinically indicated.
Rescue pathway
Hypotension: RV failure or underlying shock
The tube can expose the shock that was already present.
RV/PE situation pageBefore, during, after, pitfalls.Septic shock situation pageShock physiology planning.
Clinical review / use limits
Authored by: Airway of the Month education team. Last reviewed: July 2026. Audience: EM learners, faculty, EMS, RT, simulation educators, and airway teams.
This is an educational cognitive-aid scaffold, not a bedside order set. Verify medications, ventilator changes, pediatric dosing, and procedures against local ED, ICU, anesthesia, pharmacy, RT, EMS, and pediatric policies.
Resources · Editorial policy · ACEP intubation policy · ARDS ventilation reference