AIRWAY MANAGEMENT IN TRAUMA PATIENTS

Complications related to airway management in traumatized patients are common and, because of the importance and vulnerability of the ventilatory system, can be life threatening within a very short time. 25,39,48 Therefore, airway management is perhaps the most vital component in the treatment of traumatized patients. Patients who have suffered major trauma can present the most complex airway management problems, especially in the prehospital setting. 19 Because the treatment is time-critical, the evaluation of injuries is usually incomplete at the time airway management is undertaken. If the airway is injured, attempts to secure the airway by performing endotracheal intubation or insertion…