ObjectiveTo observe the effect of different preoxygenation methods for emergency intubation in severe patients in intensive care unit (ICU). MethodsProspective randomized study was performed in the intensive care unit between June 2013 and January 2014. Forty patients were randomly divided into 4 groups:group A (control group, n=10), group B (bag-valve-mask preoxygenation group, n=10), group C (noninvasive ventilator-mask preoxygenation group, n=10), and group D (invasive ventilator-mask preoxygenation group, n=10). Standardized rapid sequence intubation was performed without preoxygenation in group A; preoxygenation was performed by using a bag-valve-mask rose pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) to 90% before a rapid sequence intubation in group B; preoxygenation was performed by using noninvasive ventilator through a face mask rose SpO2 to 90% before a rapid sequence intubation in group C; and preoxygenation was performed by using invasive ventilator through a face mask rose SpO2 to 90% before a rapid sequence intubation in group D. We recorded the time when SpO2 was more than or equal to 90% in group B, C, and D, and arterial blood gases and complications were observed. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the basic indexes before preoxygenation among the four groups (P>0.05). The time of the patients in group D and C was significantly lower than that of group B. The arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) in the group C and D were higher than those in group B after preoxygenation (P<0.05). After intubation, SpO2 in group B, C and D was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). At the same time, SpO2 in group C and D was higher than that in group B (P<0.05); PaO2 and SaO2 in group C and D were higher than in those in group A and B (P<0.05); SaO2 in group D was higher than that in group B (P<0.05). The incidence of abdominal distension in group D was significantly lower than that of group B and C (P<0.05). ConclusionFor emergency tracheal intubation in critically ill patients in the ICU, preoxygenation is more effective than the rapid sequence intubation without preoxygenation in improving oxygenation indicators. Invasive ventilator-mask preoxygenation efficacy and safety are superior to other methods.