Question

You are called to the scene of an automobile accident in which the driver was wearing his shoulder belt improperly and struck his face on the steering wheel. As you approach the vehicle, you see the door has been opened and the driver is unconscious, with his head still against the wheel and blood flowing freely from his nose and mouth. His respirations are 18 and shallow and his pulse is 102 radially. Which of the following initial treatment plans is MOST appropriate?

1) Apply high flow oxygen without restricting the flow of blood, place a cervical collar and then perform a rapid extrication, clear the airway, and complete the primary assessment. Finally, expedite transport to the ED.
2) Apply high flow oxygen without restricting the flow of blood, complete primary assessment, perform a rapid extrication, clear the airway, suction as required, intubate the victim while maintaining alignment.
3) Place a cervical collar, apply high flow oxygen, complete primary assessment, perform a rapid extrication, clear the airway, suction as required, expedite transport to the ED.
4) Manually obtain cervical immobilization and clear the airway prior to applying high flow oxygen. Perform a rapid extrication, while maintaining alignment, and reassess the airway and consider the need insert a mechanical airway.

Answer 1

Option 2) Apply high flow oxygen without restricting the flow of blood, complete primary assessment, perform a rapid extrication, clear the airway, suction as required, and intubate the victim while maintaining alignment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate initial treatment plan in this scenario would be option 2) Apply high flow oxygen without restricting the flow of blood, complete primary assessment, perform a rapid extrication, clear the airway, suction as required, and intubate the victim while maintaining alignment.When approaching a car accident scene where the driver is unconscious and in critical condition, it is important to ensure the airway is clear and provide oxygen. The primary assessment, rapid extrication, and airway clearance should be prioritized to minimize the risk of further injury or complications.