Airway Management in Maxillofacial Injuries

This patient, involved in motor-vehicle accident was referred from a district hospital with an oral airway in situ. His upper lip was badly lacerated and swollen.His initial GCS when admitted to us was 5/15.His breathing was stridorous.I would have preferred that this patient's airway be secured properly through endotracheal intubation before transfer.Airway management is of paramount importance