A 16-year-old male arrives intubated after a dirt bike accident. What is the priority intervention?

In an emergency situation involving a 16-year-old male who has arrived intubated after a dirt bike accident, assessing the placement of the endotracheal tube is the most critical intervention. Confirming correct tube placement is vital to ensure that the airway is secured and that the patient is receiving adequate ventilation. Misplacement of the tube, such as into the esophagus instead of the trachea, can lead to severe hypoxia and potentially fatal complications, especially in a trauma setting where time is of the essence.

While assessing the oropharynx can provide information about the airway and any potential obstructions, it does not directly address the immediate need to ensure that the intubation was successful. Inserting an orogastric tube may be indicated later for decompression and feeding but is not a priority in this critical moment. Additionally, while having a second intravenous access is important for medication administration and fluid resuscitation, ensuring the airway is secure takes precedence in an emergency context where respiratory failure is a risk. Therefore, confirming the endotracheal tube placement is the appropriate first step in managing this patient's airway to ensure proper ventilation.