Abstract: An apparatus and method for properly positioning a patient to allow rapid and effective endotracheal intubation during an anesthetic induction is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable sections for supporting the patient's head and upper back, where the inflatable sections are independently inflatable and deflatable with respect to one another so that the patient's ear and sternum can be aligned in the same horizontal plane. The apparatus also includes an anchoring means that is attached to at least one of the plurality of inflatable sections for anchoring the apparatus in place. An air system connected to the plurality of inflatable sections and including separate connections to the individual inflatable sections operates to provide air to the apparatus. The apparatus optionally includes an independently inflatable cylinder in the anchoring means that is used in pregnant patients.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for properly positioning a patient to allow rapid and effective endotracheal intubation during an anesthetic induction is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable sections for supporting the patient's head and upper back, where the inflatable sections are independently inflatable and deflatable with respect to one another so that the patient's ear and sternum can be aligned in the same horizontal plane. The apparatus also includes an anchoring means that is attached to at least one of the plurality of inflatable sections for anchoring the apparatus in place. An air system connected to the plurality of inflatable sections and including separate connections to the individual inflatable sections operates to provide air to the apparatus. The apparatus optionally includes an independently inflatable cylinder in the anchoring means that is used in pregnant patients.

Abstract: An apparatus and method position a patient for rapid and effective endotracheal intubation. The apparatus includes a pillow, which has a plurality of independently inflatable and deflatable sections which may be grouped together to position a patient so that a pinna of an ear of the patient and a sternum of the patient are aligned in the same horizontal plane. The plurality of inflatable and deflatable sections include at least a back support section and a base support section, which, when grouped together, can lift an upper body of the patient in order to facilitate the positioning of the patient. When the plurality of sections are grouped for the aforementioned positioning of the patient, the base section is located beneath the back support section. The plurality of inflatable and deflatable sections may further include a head rest section and a head tilt adjustment section.