In what position should an unconscious patient be placed for intubation?

The recommended position for an unconscious patient during intubation is the supine position with slight neck hyperextension. This position facilitates access to the airway and allows for optimal visualization of the vocal cords when performing laryngoscopy.

In this position, the airway is aligned in a way that enhances the straight-line passage from the mouth to the trachea, which is crucial for successful intubation. The slight hyperextension of the neck helps to align the axes of the airway, making it easier to insert the endotracheal tube.

Other positions, such as the sidelying position or the sitting upright position, do not provide the same level of access to the airway and can make visualization and insertion of the tube more difficult. The prone position is generally not used for intubation because it obstructs airway access and can compromise respiratory efforts, making the procedure impractical and unsafe. Therefore, supine positioning with slight neck hyperextension best supports the critical aspects of intubation in an unconscious patient.