Editing Rapid sequence induction (section)

==Special Populations==
Age can play a role in whether or not the procedure is warranted, and is commonly needed in younger persons.<ref name="pmid18439793">{{cite journal | vauthors = Warner KJ, Sharar SR, Copass MK, Bulger EM | title = Prehospital management of the difficult airway: a prospective cohort study | journal = The Journal of Emergency Medicine | volume = 36 | issue = 3 | pages = 257–265 | date = April 2009 | pmid = 18439793 | doi = 10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.10.058 }}</ref> The clinician that performs Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation (RSII) must be skilled in tracheal intubation and also in [[bag valve mask]] ventilation. Alternative airway management devices must be immediately available, in the event the trachea cannot be intubated using conventional techniques. Such devices include the [[combitube]] and the [[laryngeal mask airway]]. Invasive techniques such as [[cricothyrotomy]] must also be available in the event of inability to intubate the trachea by conventional techniques.

RSI is mainly used to intubate patients at high risk of aspiration, mostly due to a full stomach as commonly seen in a trauma setting. Bag ventilation causes distention of stomach which can induce vomiting, so this phase must be quick. The patient is given a sedative and paralytic agent, usually [[midazolam]] / [[Suxamethonium chloride|succinylcholine]] / [[Propofol]] and intubation is quickly attempted with minimal or no manual ventilation. The patient is assessed for predictable intubation difficulties. Laryngoscope blades and endotracheal tubes smaller than would be used in a non-emergency setting are selected.

If the patient on initial assessment is found to have a difficult airway, RSI is contraindicated since a failed RSI attempt will leave no option but to ventilate the patient on bag and mask which can lead to vomiting. For these challenging cases, awake fiberoptic intubation is usually preferred.