Awake intubation.

Securing the airway is a core skill in anaesthesia, the gold standard of which is tracheal intubation. Normally this is achieved after induction of anaesthesia. However, some circumstances demand an awake approach. Awake intubation can be achieved via several methods. Using the fibreoptic laryngoscope is the most widely used technique in the UK with minimal patient discomfort and a wide margin of safety. When compared with attempts at difficult direct laryngoscopy, awake fibreoptic intubation provides excellent cardiovascular stability when performed under good topical anaesthesia and conscious sedation. Understanding the equipment used as well as preparing the patient and being aware of potential pitfalls are important elements to performing a successful awake intubation.