The immediate concern in managing facial trauma should be?

The immediate concern in managing facial trauma is to check the breath and ensure a free airway. In trauma cases, particularly those involving the face, there is a high risk of airway obstruction due to swelling, bleeding, or displacement of facial structures. Maintaining an open airway is critical for providing oxygen to the brain and other vital organs, as even a short interruption in breathing can lead to serious complications.

Once the airway is secured and breathing is stabilized, other priorities such as securing a blood unit, fixation of fractures, or neurological evaluation can be addressed. These considerations are important but secondary to ensuring that the patient can breathe adequately. Failing to prioritize airway management can result in preventable morbidity or mortality.