Final answer:
Endotracheal intubation is the safest procedure to maintain a patient's airway during surgery. However, it is not recommended to extubate a patient in the field unless absolutely necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Endotracheal intubation is the safest procedure to maintain a patient's airway during surgery. The tube placed in the trachea allows doctors to control the airway and prevent any blockage or obstruction. The patient is gradually awakened after surgery, and the tube is removed when the muscles of respiration regain control. It is not recommended to extubate a patient in the field unless absolutely necessary because it requires proper aseptic technique to prevent sepsis and contamination.