Overview
This video covers the recognition and management of chest trauma, focusing on blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, and impaled objects, with practical pre-hospital guidance for each.
Channel Updates
- Upcoming review and giveaway of individual first aid kits (IFAKs) on the channel.
- Next week’s video may be delayed or absent due to attendance at SWAT school; updates will be shared via Instagram and YouTube.
Types of Chest Trauma
Blunt Force Trauma
- Results from impacts like falls or car accidents, causing internal chest injuries without penetration.
- Assess for rib stability, crepitus, unequal chest movement, and pain to identify fractures or pneumothorax.
- Tension pneumothorax may result from internal lung injury due to pressure or rib displacement.
- Flail chest occurs with multiple adjacent ribs fractured in two places, compromising normal breathing.
Penetrating Trauma
- Includes injuries like stab or gunshot wounds penetrating the chest wall.
- Sucking chest wounds allow air into the chest cavity, risking lung collapse and hypoxia.
- Treat with occlusive chest seals over the wound to prevent air ingress; use vented seals when available.
- Always check for both entrance and potential exit wounds and cover both as needed.
- Monitor closely for development of tension pneumothorax after sealing a wound.
- “Burping” the chest seal or needle decompression may be required if tension pneumothorax is suspected.
Impaled Objects
- Do not remove impaled objects, as they may be tamponading (controlling) internal bleeding.
- Stabilize objects with bulky dressings and secure them to prevent movement.
- Oxygen therapy and assisted ventilation may be necessary as supportive measures.
- Only remove impaled objects if they obstruct the airway or interfere with required CPR.
Management and Treatment
- Blunt trauma: Provide supportive care, oxygen, pain management, and transport to hospital; field interventions are limited.
- Penetrating trauma: Apply occlusive dressing, manage both entry and exit wounds, and expedite transport.
- Impaled object: Stabilize in place, provide supportive care, and rapidly transport.
Decisions
- Do not remove impaled objects unless causing airway obstruction or impeding CPR.
- Monitor all chest trauma patients for signs of developing tension pneumothorax.
Action Items
- TBD – Video Creator: Announce and conduct upcoming IFAK giveaway via Instagram and YouTube.
- TBD – Video Creator: Attempt to record a video at SWAT school, respecting participant privacy and rules.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Viewers are encouraged to ask further questions in the video comments for clarification or additional information.