Figure 53-15 Intubating an acute trauma patient with an uncertain cervical spine. A hypnotic and a relaxant have been administered. One assistant maintains in-line axial stabilization with the occiput held firmly to the backboard; a second applies cricoid pressure. The posterior portion of the cervical collar remains in place to "discourage" atlanto-axial extension. (From Stene JD: Anesthesia for the critically ill trauma patient. In Siegel JH [ed]: Trauma: Emergency Surgery and Critical Care. Melbourne, Australia, Churchill Livingstone, 1987, p 843.)