Endotracheal tube stability in the resuscitation environment

Evidence presented in the anaesthetic and emergency medical services literature warns of the possibility of accidental or insidious displacement of endotracheal tubes in intubated patients. In particular, there is evidence that head movement in intubated patients can lead to displacement of the distal tip of an endotracheal tube in the trachea while its depth markings remain fixed in relation to the patient's lips or teeth. Immobilisation of the heads of all intubated patients should be considered, to prevent the possibility of accidental endotracheal tube displacement. In addition, all intubated patients must be clinically assessed for proper endotracheal tube placement and maintenance of adequate ventilation after every movement during resuscitation and diagnostic measures.