Securing Airway and Breathing in a Combat Zone

Airway and breathing management in combat zones is critical for casualty survival, given the challenges of harsh environments, limited medical resources, and ongoing hostilities. This chapter provides a structured approach to securing the airway and ensuring adequate ventilation in battlefield scenarios. Using a case-based framework, it highlights key assessment and intervention strategies, including the application of the ABCDE approach, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines, and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for rapid respiratory assessment. Both basic and advanced airway management techniques, including nasopharyngeal airway insertion, surgical airways, and ventilatory support, are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on managing chest trauma, environmental constraints, and tactical considerations unique to combat settings. This chapter aims to equip military and emergency medical personnel with the skills necessary to optimize casualty outcomes in high-risk, resource-limited situations.