A flexible tube holding device includes a handle having a groove along a length of a back side thereof, the groove being sized to at least partially accept a desired flexible tube, such as an endotracheal tube. The device is generally J-shaped from the side, and further includes a blade connected to the handle, the blade having a proximal blade section connected to the handle and having an opening along a back side thereof, and a tube retention section connected to the proximal blade section at an end thereof opposite the handle and along the opening. The tube retention section is sized to accept and hold at least most of a cross-section of a tip portion of the flexible tube and shaped to retain the tip portion. The flexible tube is held in place manually or using a quick-release closure mechanism. The flexible tube holding device may be part of an intubation system. The system includes a flexible tube, an intermediate intubation device, such as a fiber optic bronchoscope, sized to fit within the flexible tube, and a flexible tube holding device. Methods of assembling, detaching and intubating using the flexible tube holding device and system are also provided.
