A 28-year-old female presents to the emergency department with acute-onset severe dyspnea, stridor, and neck swelling following a motor vehicle accident with blunt anterior neck trauma. On examination, the neck is tense and swollen, and there is subcutaneous emphysema palpable over the laryngeal prominence. Flexible laryngoscopy is contraindicated due to risk of airway compromise. What is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?