An intubation assembly rod is configured to have an endotracheal tube carried thereon and includes an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the intubation assembly rod body is tapered, rounded, or spherical, and defines a leading end of the intubation assembly rod. The intubation assembly rod includes a longitudinally extending channel configured such that an elongated member of a device to which the intubation assembly rod may be attached may be inserted into the channel.