What is a potential risk when transferring a patient with severe maxillofacial injuries?

Airway obstruction is a significant concern when transferring a patient with severe maxillofacial injuries. Such injuries can lead to displacement of facial structures, which may compromise the airway due to swelling, blood accumulation, or direct trauma to the oral and nasal cavities. During transportation, these factors can be exacerbated, making it difficult to maintain a patent airway. The anatomical changes and potential for edema can further complicate intubation or placement of an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway during this critical time.

While hematoma formation, hypovolemic shock, and infection may also be relevant concerns in trauma patients, they do not present the immediate, life-threatening risk that airway obstruction does. Maxillofacial injuries particularly predispose individuals to airway challenges due to their nature, which is why securing the airway becomes paramount in managing these patients during transfer.