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Inhalation airway burn — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardPre-Hospital TraumaInhalation airway burnDIPIMCDipIMC

A man is rescued from a house fire. He has soot around the nostrils and mouth, a hoarse voice, singed nasal hair and is coughing black sputum. His oxygen saturations are 95% on high-flow oxygen and he is currently maintaining his airway. What is the most appropriate management priority?

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Correct answer: E — Early intubation by a skilled provider before airway oedema develops

Signs of inhalation injury (facial soot, hoarseness, singed nasal hair, carbonaceous sputum) predict progressive airway oedema, so early definitive airway control by a skilled provider is the priority while intubation remains feasible. Waiting for saturations to fall risks a lost airway once swelling is established. A supraglottic device does not protect against developing oedema, and a surgical airway is a rescue technique, not a first choice here. Pearl: the airway in burns can deteriorate rapidly, so secure it early rather than late.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines; Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (RCSEd)