Citation

Jeong HH, Choi KH, Oh YM, Kyong YY, Choi SM, Oh JS, Park TJ. Hong Kong J. Emerg. Med. 2019; 26(2): 124-126.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Medcom Limited)

DOI

10.1177/1024907918762870

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

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. © The Author(s) 2018.

Language: en

Keywords

human; male; aged; resuscitation; case report; suicide attempt; emergency care; hanging; clinical article; intensive care unit; heart arrest; computer assisted tomography; heart rate; emphysema; Glasgow coma scale; larynx injury; thorax radiography; Article; unconsciousness; tracheostomy; trachea; trachea injury; comatose patient; pulse rate; breathing rate; tracheotomy; Airway management; heart rhythm; return of spontaneous circulation; subcutaneous emphysema; abnormal blood pressure; neck injuries; pre-hospital emergency care; pulseless electrical activity