ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how to assess and perform 'life- or limb-threatening' emergencies in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). Because OMFS is a very specialized field, physicians from other specialties are likely to have even less experience in dealing with these problems and it is therefore essential that OMFS surgeons should be trained and competent to deal with these emergencies should they occur. Airway and haemorrhage are two of the most significant emergencies to be dealt with in maxillofacial surgery. Surgical tracheostomy is always an elective procedure once initial airway control has been achieved. The technique of needle cricothyroidotomy is a lifesaving procedure with which all trainees need to be conversant. Arrest of haemorrhage is critical – resuscitation alone cannot be effective with an open circulation. Retrobulbar haemorrhage is a medical and surgical emergency. This diagnosis must be considered as it can be missed or recognized too late to save vision.
