Devitalized Tissue in Surgery — 33yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#14337
SMLE Question #14337
Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 33-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He is alert but anxious and speaking in short sentences. He has an open ragged anterior neck wound with devitalized tissue, distorted laryngeal/tracheal anatomy, and air bubbling from the wound with each breath. Breath sounds are present bilaterally. What is the most appropriate next step in airway management?
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