Credits Hours: 1.00

Course Description:
Appropriate airway management in the trauma patient can be one of the most challenging aspects of prehospital medicine. Research has indicated that one of the most common causes of trauma-related deaths is due to unrecognized airway compromise. Airway compromise in trauma patients can result from primary (direct) injuries to the airway itself and from secondary (indirect) injuries to surrounding tissues. The focus of this course is on traumatic injuries to the upper airway and their effect on airway management techniques.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this online activity, the participant will be able to:

• Identify traumatic injury types leading to airway compromise.
• Identify causes of airway compromise in patients with:
  • Facial injuries.
  • Neck injuries.
  • Traumatic brain injury.
  • Soft tissue injuries.
• Identify anatomical differences between pediatric and adult airways.
• Distinguish and select treatment options used to secure and maintain a patent airway in patients with traumatic injuries.