LESSON 1
CHEST TRAUMA
Section I. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CHEST INJURIES
1-1.
INTRODUCTION
Chest injuries are of major importance because they are a common cause of
death. Fifty percent of the people who expire from chest injuries die on the way to the
hospital. The common causes of penetrating and nonpentrating chest injuries include
automobile accidents, falls and blows, gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and crushing
injuries. In a chest injury, there is a possibility of internal bleeding and/or direct injury to
the heart or lungs; therefore, any chest injury may be serious. Chest decompressions,
field functions, and other procedures may be used to save the casualty's life if they are
performed correctly and in a timely manner. With specialized training and prescribed
methods of treatment for various chest trauma, your ability to recognize and react
quickly in each situation is an important factor in regard to whether the casualty
survives.
1-2.
COMMON SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF CHEST INJURIES
The common signs and symptoms of chest injuries are:
a. A change in normal breathing pattern.
b. Pain at the site of the injury.
c. Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
d. Failure of the chest to expand.
e. A rapid/weak pulse.
f. Low blood pressure.
g. A dry cough or blood.
h. A sucking sound on respiration.
i. Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen).
j. Hemoptysis (spitting of blood from lesions in the larynx, traches, or lower
respiratory tract).
MD0569
1-2