1. Chest Injuries Intermediate

2. Pneumothorax
Is a condition that results from air entering the interpleural space
The air in the interpleural space compresses the lung and prevents normal breathing
There are two types of pneumothorax:
Tension pneumothorax
Spontaneous pneumothorax
A pneumothorax is a condition that results from air entering the interpleural space.
The air in the interpleural space compresses the lung and prevents normal breathing.
There are two types of pneumothorax:
• tension pneumothorax, and
• spontaneous pneumothorax
Tension pneumothorax is particularly dangerous. It is a condition that occurs when air escapes into the interpleural space from damaged lung tissue but cannot regain entry into the lungs with each respiration. As a result, increasing air pressure in the interpleural space causes collapse of the lung tissue. As the pneumothorax injured lung collapses, the opposite lung and heart may also be affected.
Tension pneumothorax:
Happens as result of traumatic injury OR
A progression or complication of spontaneous pneumothorax that does not heal on it’s own
Can be life-threatening as air moves from lung into interpleural space. It can’t go back into the lung.
Results in increased pressure resulting in the lung collapsing and may start pushing on the other lung or heart
Spontaneous pneumothorax is not a life-threatening condition. It occurs when the lung surface - weakened as a result of congenital defect, disease or injury - ruptures.
Spontaneous pneumothorax:
Occur in the absence of traumatic injury
Usually happen as a result of underlying lung disease
May resolve itself if it is small
Is not as life-threatening

3. Pneumothorax Signs and symptoms
Reduction of normal respiratory movements on the affected side
A fall in blood pressure
Weak and rapid pulse
A sudden sharp chest pain
Signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax include:
• reduction of normal respiratory movements on the affected side,
• a fall in blood pressure,
• weak and rapid pulse, and
• a sudden sharp chest pain.

4. Pneumothorax Treatment for Tension Pneumothorax
Give oxygen
Activate EMS and treat as Load and Go
Continue to monitor vital signs
Treatment for Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Transport to medical aid
The patient may prefer to be transported sitting up
Treatment for a tension pneumothorax is
Administer oxygen, if available,
Activate EMS and treat as a load and go.
Monitor vital signs.
As a first aid provider, you cannot provide surgical release of the air from the chest cavity.
The treatment for a spontaneous pneumothorax is:
Administer oxygen, if available.
Transport patient to medical aid
The patient may prefer to be in a seated position when being transported.

5. Subcutaneous Emphysema
When a lung or part of bronchi is lacerated, air can escape into the chest cavity
Can migrate to subcutaneous tissues
Feels like Rice Krispies under the skin – like a crackling sensation when pressed
When a lung or part of the bronchi is lacerated, air can escape into the chest cavity. This air can then migrate to the subcutaneous tissues making it feel like puffed rice (Rice Krispies) under the skin. This causes a crackling sensation when the skin is pressed. This is why you looked for it during the secondary assessment.