When an unconscious patient is unable to breathe on their own, what device is typically established?

When an unconscious patient is unable to breathe on their own, the use of an endotracheal tube is essential for securing the airway and providing mechanical ventilation. The endotracheal tube is a flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the mouth and into the trachea (windpipe). This procedure ensures that the airway is patent, allowing for the direct delivery of oxygen and ventilatory support.

In the case of an unconscious patient, their gag reflex may be diminished or absent, increasing the risk of airway obstruction from secretions or other materials. An endotracheal tube circumvents these issues by providing a controlled airway, reducing the risk of aspirating foreign materials and allowing healthcare providers to administer lifesaving oxygen and mechanical breaths.

While other devices such as a nasal cannula or face mask can be used for patients who are conscious or semi-conscious and can breathe independently, they are inadequate for someone who is completely unconscious and requires direct airway management. A chest tube, on the other hand, is used to remove air or fluid from the pleural space and is not appropriate for addressing airway management in this scenario. The endotracheal tube is therefore the standard choice for ensuring adequate ventilation in an unconscious patient who cannot breathe on their own.