This photograph shows the proper direction of forces applied for direct laryngoscopy. Note the assistant providing cricoid pressure (optional maneuver) and the proper shape of the endotracheal tube: straight to the cuff and with no greater than 35 degrees of angulation at the top of the cuff.
Reproduced with permission from: Orebaugh SL. Direct laryngoscopy. In: Atlas of Airway Management: Techniques and Tools, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia 2007. Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
www.lww.com.