This patient had quite noticeable pulmonary edema, easily fixed with suction prior to intubation.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema is said to occur rapidly post injury while pulmonary contusions typically evolve over time peaking over hours. These two entities have different etiologies but both will benefit from supportive care and positive pressure if needed. Once the initial insult has been attended, the pulmonary edema will usually resolve within 3 to 7 days.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema is said to be triggered broadly by neurohumoral sympathetic surge… however whilst animal models show some benefit with alpha and beta blockade, this is not as yet recommended due to issues with cerebral perfusion and cardiac arrhythmias.

Source: Wemple, M., Hallman, M., Luks, A. Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema In: UpToDate, Post, TW (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2014