Chest Injuries Types – Injuries to chest wall – Injuries to lungs Check ABC’s Conscious: sit up or place with injured side towards the ground (to ease breathing)

Injuries To Chest Wall: Rib Fractures – Painful to move, cough, breathe – Point tenderness – Do not wrap (restricts breathing) – Stabilize (Use pillow or tie arm) – Encourage deep breathing – Seek medical attention?

Injuries To Chest Wall: Flail Chest Major injury Several ribs in the same area are broken in more than one place Chest wall may move in opposite direction from the rest of the chest Stabilize with: – Pillow – Hand Place with injured side towards the ground (remember to treat for shock) Monitor ABC’s and seek medical attention

Injuries To Lungs Hemothorax – Blood fills chest, lungs can’t expand Pneumothorax – air fills chest cavity Open pneumothorax (sucking chest wound) – Air moves in and out of chest cavity – Lungs can’t expand Tension pneumothorax – air is pulled in, can’t exit

Sucking Chest Wound Seek medical attention Seal wound to stop air from entering (saran wrap, etc.) – Tape in place (leave one corner untaped) – (May use gloved hand) Victim having trouble or getting worse? – Remove, allow air to escape, then reapply

Severe Blow To Abdomen Place on side Expect vomiting No foods or liquids Seek medical attention

Protruding Organs Do not re-insert Cover loosely with moist, sterile dressing or clean cloth – Best to wait for EMS (saline solution) Cover area with a towel or blanket Seek medical attention

Pelvic Injuries Accompanied by: – Pain – Shock – Internal bleeding – Inability to use lower extremities Damage to bladder and other organs

Determining Pelvic Injuries Gently press downward and inward at iliac crest – Do not press if pain is already present Pain may indicate broken pelvis – (suspect spinal cord injury)

Pelvic Injuries: What To Do Treat for shock Pad between thighs Tie knees and ankles together Keep on firm surface Seek medical attention