Pediatric Blunt Neck Trauma Causing Esophageal and Complete Tracheal Transection

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.