In the context of emergency intubation, what is the purpose of having a 15 Fr bougie?

The primary purpose of using a 15 Fr bougie during emergency intubation is to aid in the passage of the endotracheal tube. The bougie is a flexible, thin device that can be inserted into the trachea to serve as a guide for the endotracheal tube. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where the airway may be difficult to visualize or navigate, such as in cases of trauma, obesity, or anatomical variations.

In such situations, the bougie can be advanced through the vocal cords into the trachea, allowing the paramedic to successfully position the endotracheal tube over it with greater ease and precision. The use of the bougie enhances the success rate of intubation and reduces the risk of complications associated with improperly placed tubes, such as esophageal intubation.