Fractures involving the foramen transversarium put the vertebral artery at risk of dissection or occlusion (and hence the possibility of stroke) and CTA is indicated when such a fracture is detected. 

Fractures of the odontoid are classified into 3 types. Type III fractures, as seen in this case, are the most likely type to heal without fixation due to the larger surface area.

A tension pneumothorax is a surgical emergency. Once a pneumothorax is identified, the next step is to evaluate if it is under tension. Signs suggestive of a tension pneumothorax include: mediastinal shift to the contralateral side; flattening or inversion of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm and a hyperexpanded ipsilateral chest.