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HAVL Intubation: Airway Skills Lab

Where Mastery Gets Made

Step Into the Training Lab

This guide is part of our digitally enhanced, hands-on curriculum built to help you master hyperangulated video laryngoscopy. Step up to the practice station, place your mobile device in the holder, and use voice commands to move through the training at your own pace. Practice core skills as many times as you need—in a judgment-free zone designed for learning. There’s no better way to improve than by getting in the reps and troubleshooting independently. When you’re ready, check in with one of our expert faculty for real-time feedback and a final review of your technique.

Guided VideoGuided Audio
MicroskillsChecklist
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Here’s What To Focus On

Here are the key HAVL skills you’ll want to sharpen. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist: practice, gaze focus, blade insertion, dialing in that ideal 50/50 view, and stylet manipulation to ensure a smooth tube delivery.

NOTE: This content assumes you’re already familiar with direct or video laryngoscopy. If you’ve never intubated before, we recommend starting with our laryngoscopy essentials before diving in here.

Guided Video

Practice At Your Pace

It’s time to focus on establishing the key skills you need for success. Review, practice, and repeat, then proceed to the expert coach when you’re ready!

  • Step up to the hands-on station.
  • Place your mobile device in holder.
  • Start the video.
  • Use hands-free commands.
  • Pause and practice key skills.

Guided Audio

Try this hands-free audio guide for focused, distraction-free learning. Sometimes videos can pull your attention away from the task—this guided audio keeps you immersed in deliberate practice. It’s like having an expert in your ear. Just start the audio, use your mobile device’s voice controls to pause, repeat, or rewind, and follow along until you feel confident in your technique.

Listen Here

  • Place your mobile device in the holder.
  • Use voice commands.
  • Walk through the self-guided practice.

Microskills: Breaking It Down

We’ve broken down this self-guided sequence into short videos below with extra detail on each step. Scroll down or use the navigation bar here to go directly to specific content.

Skill 1: How to Hold the Blade & ETT With Rigid Stylet

Checklist:

Here is a high-efficiency tip that allows you to hold the blade in one hand and the ETT with a rigid stylet in the other for speed and precision.

  • Hold the blade in your LEFT hand.
    • Use a “light & low” grip.
  • Hold ETT/Stylet in the right
    • Use palm-up technique

Skill 2: Insertion into the Mouth

Checklist:

  • Open the mouth with the scissor technique.
  • Look in the mouth & insert the blade midline.
  • Rotate the Blade 90 degrees if needed

Media Placeholder: [Insert short video or GIF here demonstrating proper blade hold]

Skill 3: Finding the Epiglottis

Checklist:

  • Eyes on screen as the blade advances.
  • Stay “High & Dry” to keep optics clean.
  • Blade follows the oropharyngeal contour.
  • Practice bringing epiglottitis into view.

Media Placeholder: [Insert short video or GIF here demonstrating proper blade hold]

Skill 4: Optimizing Your View

  • Engage the Vallecula
  • Pull Back (more room)
  • Lift the Blade (up & away)
  • Tilt Handle (forward)

Media Placeholder: [Insert short video or GIF here demonstrating proper blade hold]

Skill 5: Accessing the Trachea

Subskill A: Stop

  • Identify the epiglottis clearly on screen.
  • Guide the tip of the blade to the vallecula.
  • Avoid overshooting into the laryngeal inlet.

Media Placeholder: [Insert short video or GIF here demonstrating proper blade hold]

Subskill B: Pop

  • If no glottic view, pull back 1–2 cm.
  • Watch for epiglottitis to come into view.
  • Advance again gently

Media Placeholder: [Insert short video or GIF here demonstrating proper technique]

Subskill C: Drop

  • Once seated, apply a gentle lift along the axis of the blade.

Media Placeholder: [Insert short video or GIF here demonstrating proper technique]

Subskill D: Lift

  • Tilt the handle forward to optimize the angle to the glottis.
  • Avoid cranking back or levering the handle into the upper teeth.

Media Placeholder: [Insert short video or GIF here demonstrating proper technique]

Checklist:

  • Vallecula was identified and engaged.
  • Adjustments (pull back / tilt/lift) are used as needed.
  • Glottic opening 50% visible and centered in the top 50%of the screen
Graphic illustrating a set-up guide for building your own training lab, featuring tools like a hammer, wrench, and a poster.

Build Your Own Training Lab

Turn any space into a hands-on airway training zone. Grab our posters and your gear, and follow a few simple steps. It’s easy!

set-up Guide
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