General
snorkel
What does snorkel mean?
Slang for the endotracheal tube used to ventilate a patient, resembling a snorkel.
"He's not protecting his airway — he'll need a snorkel."
Origin
Descriptive nursing slang.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'snorkel' mean in a hospital?
It is slang for an endotracheal tube — the breathing tube passed into the airway to ventilate a patient — named for its resemblance to a snorkel.
How is it used?
To indicate a patient needs intubation, e.g. 'he's not protecting his airway, he'll need a snorkel.'
Is 'snorkel' offensive?
No. It is harmless descriptive nursing slang for a piece of airway equipment.
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