Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Flashcards 2023

What is the significance for ABCDE assessment if a person is able to talk? - -They have a patent airway -What are the clinical signs of airway obstruction? - -snoring, stridor, hoarseness or no noise at all -What are the techniques for clearing an obstructed airway? - -Suction Removal of foreign body Head tilt and chin lift Airway adjuncts - Guedel aiway Definite surgical airway -How do you size a Guedel airway? - -measuring from the centre of the mouth (between the first incisors) to the angle of the mandible -How does tension pneumothorax lead to death? - -A tension pneumothorax essential acts as an internal one-way valve - allowing air into the chest cavity but not out. This results in pressure on the mediastinum, thus decreasing venous return to the heart and eventual cardiac arrest.