REBEL Core Cast 127.0 – Penetrating Neck Injuries

Take Home Points

• Anticipate anatomically challenging airways and consider early intubation prior to loss of airway anatomy.
• Skip the zones of the neck and focus on hard signs of vascular (Shock w/o another source, Pulsatile bleeding, Expanding hematoma, Audible bruit, Signs of stroke) or aerodigestive (Airway compromise, Bubbling wound, Extensive SubQ air, Stridor, Significant hemoptysis/hematemesis). The presence of hard signs indicates the need to go to the OR or for angiographic intervention.
• Control hemorrhage with a single finger and direct pressure.