Rapid sequence induction

Rapid sequence induction, also described as rapid sequence intubation (RSI), is an advanced airway management medical procedure used to achieve tracheal intubation under general anesthesia in patients who are at high risk of pulmonary aspiration. RSI involves pre-filling the patient's lungs with a high concentration of oxygen gas, followed by administering rapid-onset hypnotic and neuromuscular-blocking drugs that induce prompt unconsciousness and paralysis, allowing insertion of an endotracheal tube with minimal delay. Traditionally, unlike other methods of anaesthesia induction, no artificial ventilation is provided from the time that drugs are administered until after intubation has been achieved; this minimises insufflation of air into the stomach, which might otherwise lead to regurgitation. For the same reason, cricoid pressure may also be used until after the tube has been secured.