Great question! Unfortunately for this patient and those in similar circumstances, the swelling from the airway burn will continue to get worse until you have a complete obstruction of the upper airway. For these patients, early intubation can prevent this catastrophic airway loss from occurring. If you wait to intubate or do not have the protocols to intubate, your patient will likely become a CICO (cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate). This is the worst case scenario, which leaves you with only one option: emergency cricothyrotomy. Sorry for the late reply. -Alex
Thanks for sharing your expertise, 👍👍
Tony, thank you for watching! Is there anything you want to see in future videos?
Great video! but what would you do in this situation if RSI is not within protocols?
Great question! Unfortunately for this patient and those in similar circumstances, the swelling from the airway burn will continue to get worse until you have a complete obstruction of the upper airway. For these patients, early intubation can prevent this catastrophic airway loss from occurring. If you wait to intubate or do not have the protocols to intubate, your patient will likely become a CICO (cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate). This is the worst case scenario, which leaves you with only one option: emergency cricothyrotomy.
Sorry for the late reply.
-Alex