27. Trauma and Cervical Spine

27. Trauma and Cervical Spine

The Tulip’s role in emergency and resuscitation medicine is based upon its ability to be introduced easily, effectively and quickly by a wide range of healthcare staff. The Tulip’s ability to fit all adults with one size enables fewer to be carried by medical staff who quickly become familiar with its common, wide-ranging use.

The Tulip is of great benefit if a secure ventilating airway is needed but it is impossible to intubate the Patient, such as in a trapped road-traffic accident victim. The Tulip’s introduction is easily performed blindly and without a need to flex the cervical spine which is of great benefit to those victims of trauma and those already wearing a stiff cervical spine collar. The design of Tulip ensures that there is no likely hood of endo-bronchial or oesophageal intubation.

The causes of inadequate ventilation have been previously highlighted and are a differential involving equipment and Patient factors. It is important to exclude reflex activity secondary to light anaesthesia and surgical stimulation; obstruction by anatomy, secretions or kinking; and decreased chest compliance secondary to bronchospasm from aspiration, asthma/ C.O.A.D. or anaphylaxis.

The Tulip is of particular benefit to Paramedics as current airway devices require mask-holding and once the Tulip has been secured properly it may be considered hands-free. The Paramedic is then free to assist with other duties whist observing the airway as the Tulip may be connected to a ventilator that maintains a regular, reliable tidal volume.