How do you know when to intubate vs when to do CPR?

Answer 1

HI! CPR is initiated when someone has no pulse. The process involves your Basic Life Support (BLS) steps that require the first responder to Look, Listen, Feel for a pulse as well as check for breathing. If the person does not have a pulse and is not breathing, then compressions/rescue breathing are initiated. So CPR is a means to provide blood flow and oxygen to a person until further help arrives. If someone does have a pulse but is not breathing, then the first responder will do "Rescue Breathing" until further help arrives.

The term intubation refers to inserting a "breathing tube" into a person's airway so they can receive breathes using an Ambu-bag or a mechanical ventilator. This would take the place of the rescue breaths normally delivered by mouth. The intubation procedure is only performed by qualified personnel. This is an advanced life saving technique and follows the ACLS guidelines.

So to answer your question, CPR and intubation can happen simultaneously, in the correct setting by qualified personnel. CPR is treating the pulselessness while intubation is assisting with the breaths. Thank you. - Shri