A study carried out by our Research and Innovation Team has developed an algorithm to assist with the pre-hospital management of penetrating neck injuries (PNIs). The groundbreaking study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine is a significant advance which aims to improve patient outcomes through timely and effective interventions.Â
Penetrating neck injuries, though rare, present a complex challenge due to the critical anatomical structures involved, including large blood vessels and the trachea. These injuries account for up to 1% of all trauma cases, with a mortality rate of 3-6%. Effective pre-hospital management is crucial to prevent clinical deterioration during transport to specialised trauma centres.
Previous research carried out by our team has shown that there is currently very little published guidance on how to manage pre-hospital patients with a PNI.
The study, conducted by a team of experts from KSS, marks the culmination of three years of work and two previous published papers. It used a modified e-Delphi method to achieve consensus among subject matter experts (SMEs) from across the UK, including a number of air ambulances. The process involved multiple rounds of structured discussions and surveys, resulting in the development of 19 consensus statements and a comprehensive management algorithm.
The algorithm tackles critical aspects of PNI management, including airway and ventilatory support, haemorrhage control, and rapid transport to trauma centres.
The consensus statements provide standardised guidelines for pre-hospital care providers, which it is hoped will help ensure consistent and effective treatment across the UK.
Dr. Christopher Simpson, lead author of the study, said: “This work looked at a group of patients who are among the most seriously injured that we attend. Previously very little has been published on how these patients should be managed.
“The development of this algorithm represents a major step forward in the pre-hospital management of penetrating neck injuries. Our goal is to provide clear, evidence-based guidelines that will help save lives and improve patient care.”
The new algorithm and the accompanying consensus statements are expected to significantly enhance the quality of pre-hospital care for patients with PNI. By standardizing the approach to these complex injuries, the guidelines aim to optimize time-sensitive interventions and improve overall patient outcomes.
To learn more about the research carried out at KSS, visit our research page.
