The purpose of this article is to discuss 'best practice' regarding the management of a trauma victim's upper airway in a remote region of Papua New Guinea (PNG). This article has been written with the trauma patient in mind; however, much of the information would be equally relevant to the acute and chronically ill patient. Therefore the management described should be of use to aid post orderlies, community health workers, nurses and doctors alike who work or patrol in remote regions of PNG. The article is designed to take the reader through a step by step approach. Commentaries to further clarify or expand the text are placed at the end of the article under specific addendum headings, so as not to disrupt the main flow of the subject matter. In addition to upper airway management, this article also details 'ideal' emergency trauma equipment and drug requirements for bush use.
Wounds and Injuries ; Patients ; Papua New Guinea ; Bale out ; Public health service