Abstract Background Hypoxia is one of the life-threatening complications of endotracheal intubation. Supplemental oxygen and ventilation play a vital role in preventing hypoxia. Bag-valve mask (BVM) ventilation is frequently used before intubation, and its ability to improve oxygenation was recently confirmed. It is still unclear if positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) added to BVM ventilation can further reduce hypoxia during intubation. Methods This will be a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial to determine if PEEP combined with BVM ventilation can reduce the incidence of hypoxia during intubation compared with conventional BVM ventilation. The lowest oxygen saturation and incidence of complications will be compiled to verify the comparative effectiveness and safety of the two groups. Discussion BMV ventilation with PEEP is hoped to further reduce the incidence of hypoxia during intubation. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000035156. Registered on August 2, 2020. It had begun enrollment after passing ethical review but before registration.