Trauma · Chapter 22 Not started

Face, Eye, and Neck Injuries

Protecting the airway and vision when trauma strikes above the shoulders.

Key points

Every significant facial injury is an airway problem first — blood, teeth, and swelling obstruct; suction and positioning save lives.
Facial trauma with enough force raises suspicion for cervical spine injury and skull fracture (avoid NPAs with possible mid-face/skull fractures).
Eye injuries: never apply pressure to the globe; cover a penetrating eye injury with a rigid shield and cover BOTH eyes to limit movement.
Chemical eye exposure gets immediate, continuous irrigation with clean water.
Knocked-out teeth: handle by the crown, keep moist (milk or saline), transport with the patient.
Open neck wounds risk air embolism — cover with an occlusive dressing and control bleeding without compressing both carotids.

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