This new paper from the AERATOR group examines the science around aerosol generation and awake tracheal intubation (ATI). Their study was performed on a single day during an ATI course on 12 anaesthetic trainees. They show that ATI without sedation generates high concentrations of respiratory aerosol. Professor Ross Hofmeyr talks to the authors about their study, its clinical implications and what the future holds for research in this area.