The debate considering cuffed vs uncuffed tracheal tubes in children continues in some centres. In my view the argument for cuffed tubes in the emergency medicine setting is much stronger.
I found an online presentation by Patrick Ross, MD, on the subject which includes a nice summary of recent literature. I like his take home message:
‘If they are coming to the ICU, if they may be difficult to ventilate, if I only want to intubate once – I use a cuffed tube’
Cuffed vs. Uncuffed ETT