Rapid Sequence Intubation

Endotracheal intubation is often performed without the use of premedication and is therefore extremely distressing, painful and potentially damaging to the neonate. Pharmacological measures and effective pain relief for neonates undergoing invasive procedures have been shown to incur positive benefits on both the infant and health care provider.Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) is premedication prior to endotracheal intubation that includes analgesia, sedation, and a neuromuscular blockage. However, despite the evidence that it is safe and effective in neonates it is infrequently performed. RSI has been shown to reduce the number of endotracheal intubation attempts and decrease the amount of time needed for neonatal endotracheal intubation.