Airway management mnemonic

Steps of rapid sequence induction and intubation

The mnemonic

The 7 Ps

What each word stands for

  • PreparationEquipment, drugs, team and plan
  • Pre-oxygenation100% oxygen for 3 minutes or 8 vital capacity breaths
  • PretreatmentDrugs to blunt the response to laryngoscopy where needed
  • Paralysis with inductionInduction agent then rapid relaxant
  • Protection and positioningCricoid pressure if used, and sniffing position
  • Placement with proofTube placed and confirmed by capnography
  • Post-intubation managementFix the tube, ventilate, sedate

Why it matters clinically

Orders the steps for a patient at risk of aspiration.

Where it stops being reliable

A sequence summary; the evidence for cricoid pressure is debated.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Airway management mnemonic?

The 7 Ps. It helps you recall: Steps of rapid sequence induction and intubation.

What does "Preparation" stand for?

Equipment, drugs, team and plan

What does "Pre-oxygenation" stand for?

100% oxygen for 3 minutes or 8 vital capacity breaths

What does "Pretreatment" stand for?

Drugs to blunt the response to laryngoscopy where needed

What are all the parts of the The 7 Ps mnemonic?

Preparation: Equipment, drugs, team and plan; Pre-oxygenation: 100% oxygen for 3 minutes or 8 vital capacity breaths; Pretreatment: Drugs to blunt the response to laryngoscopy where needed; Paralysis with induction: Induction agent then rapid relaxant; Protection and positioning: Cricoid pressure if used, and sniffing position; Placement with proof: Tube placed and confirmed by capnography; Post-intubation management: Fix the tube, ventilate, sedate.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Airway management in Anaesthesia.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A sequence summary; the evidence for cricoid pressure is debated.

How is this useful clinically?

Orders the steps for a patient at risk of aspiration.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anaesthesia question about Airway management.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.