Open AccessSuicidal hanging patient with complete tracheal rupture
Author(s) -
Jeong Hyun Ho,
Choi Kyoung Ho,
Oh Young Min,
Kyong Yeon Young,
Choi Se Min,
Oh Joo Suk,
Park Taek Jung
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/1024907918762870
Subject(s) - medicine , airway , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , airway management , tracheal intubation , intubation , resuscitation , tracheal tube , endotracheal tube , damage control , ventilation (architecture) , surgery , mechanical ventilation , anesthesia , mechanical engineering , engineering
In attempted suicide, laryngotracheal rupture caused by hanging leads to rapid death at the scene or before arrival at hospital. The case presented here describes a patient with complete tracheal rupture from an attempted suicidal hanging who was successfully resuscitated. Pre‐hospital providers transferred the patient to hospital without being aware of the possibility of airway damage. Cardiac arrest occurred shortly after arrival at hospital. During the cardiopulmonary resuscitation, endotracheal intubation was performed, and fortunately, the tracheal tube was located just below the ruptured trachea and thus enabled ventilation. For patients suspected of having airway damage at the pre‐hospital stage, awareness of the patient's condition and adequate airway management are important. The management of laryngotracheal rupture which suggests that for patients not adequately ventilated, immediate treatment with flexible fiberoptic intubation or tracheostomy is needed to secure the airway. Equipment and personnel at the receiving hospital need to be prepared for immediate treatment.