Objective To evaluate the clinical features and complications of bedside tracheal intubation in intensive care unit ( ICU) , and explore the suitable strategy of intubation. Methods In this retrospective study,42 patients who underwent bedside tracheal intubation in ICU during September 2008 and March 2009 were divided into a schedule group ( n =24) and an emergency group ( n =18) . The time to successful intubation, number of intubation attempts, and complications were recorded. The schedule group was defined as those with indications for intubation and fully prepared, while the emergency group was defined as those undergoing emergency intubations without full preparation due to rapid progression of disease and accidental extubation. Results The success rate for all patients was only 57. 1% on the first attempt ofintubation. The main complications during and after induction were hypotension ( 45. 2% ) and hypoxemia ( 50. 0% ) . Compared with the emergency group, the schedule group had fewer attempts to successful intubation ( 1. 71 ±1. 12 vs. 2. 67 ±1. 75) , higher success rate on the second attempt ( 87. 5% vs.61. 1%) , and lower ypoxemia incidence ( 29. 1% vs. 77. 8%, P lt; 0. 05) . Conclusions The tracheal intubation in ICU is a difficult and high risk procedure with obvious complications. Early recognition ofpatients with indications and well preparation are critical to successful bedside intubation.