Which laryngoscope blade is typically used for adults?

The MacIntosh blade is typically used for adults due to its design that allows for a more curved shape, facilitating better visualization of the vocal cords in most adult patients. This curvature helps to lift the epiglottis indirectly, making it easier to intubate the trachea without direct contact with the epiglottis itself, which can be particularly advantageous in adults who may have anatomical variations and larger structures in their airway.

In practice, the MacIntosh blade provides a more ergonomic feel for the provider and often produces a smoother intubation experience due to its design, which aligns better with the contours of an adult's airway as compared to straight blades. It is an essential tool that is favored in many emergency settings and by paramedics for endotracheal intubation in adult patients, as it allows for effective airway management with consistent success rates.