Early Intubation in Trauma Patients

Abstract

The ABCs of both initial assessment and resuscitation of a trauma victim start with “A” for “airway.” Thus, control of the airway has the highest priority during the first minutes of trauma care. The management of “B,” representing “breathing and respiratory function,” is closely related to the initial steps of airway management. Reestablishing and maintaining adequate ventilation, oxygenation, and tissue perfusion therefore represent the main objectives in resuscitation of patients with multiple injuries. Achieving these goals in life-threatening situations often requires emergency interventions at the scene to reduce the incidence of acute posttraumatic complications. These early interventions are also crucial in preventing late complications such as (multiple) organ failure, the most frequent cause of late death in trauma patients. This is achieved by: (a) obtaining an adequate airway and by respiratory management and (b) immediate control of hemorrhage along with circulatory support by aggressive volume resuscitation.