Juan fell while riding a snowmobile. The EMR notes that Juan has swelling in his face and upper chest, difficulty speaking, and a crackling sensation in the jaw and throat. The EMR suspects ________.

The observed symptoms and the context of the incident strongly suggest a neck injury. The swelling in Juan's face and upper chest indicates potential trauma to the facial structure and possibly the cervical spine. The difficulty speaking could be a result of injury to the surrounding structures involved with speech, such as the throat or larynx, which could be affected by a neck injury. Additionally, the crackling sensation in the jaw and throat—often indicative of subcutaneous emphysema—points to a disruption in the airway or surrounding tissue, which could also be associated with neck trauma.

In this scenario, a neck injury is particularly concerning due to the risk of airway compromise, especially given the mechanisms involved in falling from a snowmobile. Recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with a neck injury is crucial for timely intervention and to prevent further injury or complications.