Airway & Breathing Support

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If airway patency is at risk due to inhalation injury or worsening upper airway oedema or facial/neck swelling, discuss endotracheal intubation with the ARV consultants prior to retrieval.

 

KEY STEPS 
Facial and neck swelling is a risk to airway patency (Copy)

Facial and neck swelling is a risk to airway patency
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  1. Consider intubation in patients whose airway is at risk.
  2. Administer humidified 100% oxygen at a rate of 15 L/min.
  3. Sit the patient up if possible.
  4. Consider chest escharotomy in circumferential chest burns
  5. Frequent reassessment.




Consider intubation in patients whose airway is at risk

Patients who are not breathing will have been intubated and ventilated as emergency interventions following the primary survey. Consider intubation also in the following high risk situations:

  • Stridor is an immediate indication for intubation.
  • Increasing swelling of head and neck
  • Altered consciousness and/or unable to protect airway
  • GCS<9
  • Uncooperative/combative/disoriented patient
  • ‘Prophylactic’ intubation if there is significant or reasonable doubt regarding airway patency during transfer. This is particularly important in cases of long transfer times or transfer delays.

*Note: 

  • Capnography MUST be available to assess placement of the endotracheal tube in the trachea.
  • Ongoing  ETCO2 monitoring should inform the assessment of ventilation adequacy.
  • Patients that have undergone anaesthesia and ventilation have a greater risk of hypothermia and efforts should be made to minimise heat loss.

 

Administer humidified 100% oxygen at a rate of 15 L/min

Administer 100% high flow (15 L/min) humidified oxygen via a mask or endotracheal tube.

Oxygen post-intubation/ventilation should be guided by blood gases.

Oxygen therapy is fundamental in patients with suspected inhalation injury or cyanide poisoning, and assists with overall organ oxygenation and tissue perfusion.

 

Sit the patient up

Sit the patient up if possible to minimise airway oedema.

 

Consider escharotomy in circumferential chest burns

Escharotomy is a high risk procedure and should only be performed after consultation and advice from the appropriate Burn Service.

 

Frequent reassessment

A patient with signs suggestive of inhalation injury, face or neck swelling requires frequent reassessment of airway patency and breathing over time, particularly if not intubated

The Alfred Hospital gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support and contribution of Skilled Medical in funding this project.  For more information on Skilled Medical, please visit www.skilledmedical.com
Supported by:

Ambulance Victoria The Alfred Victorian Adult Burn Services at The Alfred The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne