ABSTRACT
Preoxygenation is essential. The reduction in FRC, increased oxygen demand (because of increased tissue mass), and ventilation/perfusion mismatch all predispose to hypoxaemia. Opinion is divided over the advantages and disadvantages of inhalational and intravenous methods of induction. The overall object is to avoid producing an unconscious patient who cannot breathe, and who cannot be ventilated or intubated. On the basis of airway assessment and clinical judgement, this can be circumvented by an awake intubation followed by induction of anaesthesia and this technique should be seriously considered.
