Abstract
Airway management in the prehospital setting and in patients with traumatic injuries poses anatomic, physiologic, and logistical challenges and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While the primary goal in the prehospital setting is to establish a patent airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation, a more definitive airway is often needed in trauma patients who might require surgical interventions. A stepwise approach based on available time and resources is the key to success with prehospital airway management. For trauma patients in the hospital setting, time permitting, an assessment of the airway, as well as the respiratory and circulatory system, should be considered, and if feasible, respiratory and hemodynamic optimization should be prioritized prior to airway management.