The Case for Bougie Use on Every Intubation

Abstract

Despite its value in emergency airway management, the endotracheal tube introducer, commonly known as the bougie, has traditionally been a point of disagreement between providers. It is typically viewed as a “rescue” device and not a primary airway tool. However, its value as a primary device during plan A has recently been recognized. Two studies have shown increased first-pass success using a bougie on the initial attempt. Additionally, bougie use on every intubation increases provider comfort with the device so that, on a truly difficult intubation, the skills and mechanics are instilled. In the out-of-hospital and critical care transport settings, intubation is often inherently more difficult because of varying environments. For these reasons, the bougie should be integrated into the first intubation attempt in emergent intubation.