Emergency airway management in patients with cervical spine injuries.
A retrospective study of admissions to a Level 1 Trauma Centre, revealed 393 patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries. All 36 patients intubated urgently and 37 and 68 patients intubated between 30 min and 24 h of admission, were intubated orally, following a rapid sequence induction with the application of cricoid pressure and manual in-line stabilisation of the head and neck. There were no neurological sequelae in these 73 patients (95% confidence interval 0-4%). This technique for airway management is described in detail. It is a safe, familiar, and effective method for securing the airway in patients with cervical spine injury.
Criswell
J C
JC
Department of Anesthesia, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore 21201.
Parr
M J
MJ
Nolan
J P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000628:therapy*