Pediatric Blunt Neck Trauma Causing Esophageal and Complete Tracheal Transection

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Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
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Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications

Published on: March 15, 2024

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Benjamin Nicholson, Harinder Dhindsa, Louis Seay

    Prehospital Emergency Care
    |October 5, 2016
    PubMed

    Insights

    Prehospital providers successfully managed a pediatric patient with complete tracheal transection from a clothesline injury. A blind nasal intubation through the esophagus into the trachea secured the airway, leading to a favorable outcome.

    Area of Science:

    • Emergency Medicine
    • Trauma Surgery
    • Pediatric Airway Management

    Background:

    • Blunt cervical tracheal injuries are rare but pose significant prehospital challenges.
    • Effective airway management is critical for patient outcomes in these scenarios.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To present a unique case of pediatric tracheal transection managed prehospital.
    • To discuss prehospital airway strategies for severe tracheal trauma.

    Main Methods:

    • A pediatric patient sustained a clothesline injury causing complete tracheal and partial esophageal transection.
    • Prehospital providers employed a stepwise approach, including blind nasal intubation into the distal trachea via the esophagus.

    Main Results:

    • The blind nasal intubation successfully secured the airway, leading to a favorable patient outcome.
    • This case demonstrates a viable prehospital management strategy for complete tracheal transection.

    Conclusions:

    • A systematic approach to airway management is crucial for prehospital providers facing severe trauma.
    • This case highlights potential pitfalls of cricothyroidotomy in tracheal trauma and offers an alternative intubation technique.
    Abstract

    Keywords:
    air ambulancesintubationneck injuriesprehospital emergency care

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