ATLS | Airway

🛑 Acute Airway & Ventilation Review

1) 🫁 Acute Airway Obstruction & Compromise

Patho: Fastest killer in trauma. Obstruction may be complete/partial/progressive. Common: tongue occluding hypopharynx with ↓LOC; also vomit, blood/secretions, teeth/FBs. ↓LOC → high aspiration risk → often needs definitive airway. RSI Meds:

• Etomidate 0.3 mg/kg → sedation w/ minimal BP/ICP effect; watch adrenal suppression & hypovolemia.
• Succinylcholine 1–2 mg/kg → rapid, brief paralysis; avoid in crush/burns/electrical/CKD/neuromuscular dz (↑K⁺). If fail intubation → BVM until recovery. Team Roles: 👨‍⚕️ Leader/Airway → assess & choose route/timing; plan for difficult airway. 👩‍⚕️ RN → suction ready, draw RSI meds, SpO₂/ETCO₂ monitorin ...