You are called to treat a patient who initially presented wi…

You are called to treat a patient who initially presented with sharp, tearing pain, confusion, vertigo, and hemiplegia about 2 minutes after ascending from a dive. The patient is now unresponsive with a weak, rapid pulse. Which of the following is your MOST important intervention?

You have responded to the scene of a motor vehicle collision…

You have responded to the scene of a motor vehicle collision where a 27-year-old driver has been pinned by the steering wheel. The patient is unresponsive, breathing at 30 times per minute and very shallow, and has petechiae of the skin from the shoulders on up. The remaining rapid trauma assessment reveals no other injuries. If this patient remains pinned for a prolonged period of time, which of the following treatment options should be considered?