A 39-year-old with facial trauma cannot be intubated after two optimised attempts. Oxygen saturation falls to 70%, bag-mask ventilation and

Question

A 39-year-old with facial trauma cannot be intubated after two optimised attempts. Oxygen saturation falls to 70%, bag-mask ventilation and supraglottic airway fail, and cricothyroid membrane is palpable. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Perform emergency front-of-neck airway

Answer

Wake the patient and discharge

Answer

Wait for CT to define airway anatomy

Answer

Attempt a third direct laryngoscopy with the same blade

Answer

Give additional paralytic and continue bag-mask attempts indefinitely

Cannot intubate cannot oxygenate — RCPSC EM MCQ

A 39-year-old with facial trauma cannot be intubated after two optimised attempts. Oxygen saturation falls to 70%, bag-mask ventilation and supraglottic airway fail, and cricothyroid membrane is palpable. What is the most appropriate next step?