Severe Oropharyngeal Bleeding in Surgery — 30yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#1154

SMLE Question #1154

Surgery Trauma Surgery

Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01

Last updated: February 2026
A 30-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed road traffic accident. He has multiple mandibular fractures with severe oropharyngeal bleeding. He is unconscious and cannot protect his airway. Blood and secretions obscure the oropharynx, and bag-valve-mask ventilation remains difficult despite suctioning and jaw thrust. What is the most appropriate immediate airway management?

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