Endotracheal intubation involves placing a flexible plastic tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway or administer drugs. It is used to administer oxygen, remove secretions, ventilate the lungs, and treat respiratory failure. Indications include CNS depression, neuromuscular disease, chest injuries, airway obstruction, and aspiration risk. The procedure requires a laryngoscope, ET tube, suction equipment, and securing the tube once placed to ventilate the lungs. Complications can include injury and intubation in the wrong airway.