Trauma

Chest trauma

CCMS-MED-SOP-001 §7

Rare on a playground, real after a vehicle, a fall, or violence. Open chest wounds get a seal. Tension physiology is a clinician problem.

1. 1

   Scene safe. 911. Expose the chest. Seal an open ('sucking') wound with a chest seal or an occlusive dressing. Watch for worsening distress after you seal it — burp the seal if they crash.

2. 2

   High-flow oxygen if available. Sit or position of comfort if no spine flag.

3. 3

   Tension pneumothorax is clinical: progressive distress, absent or reduced sounds, shock. Needle decompression is CLINICIAN ONLY.

• Do not wait for a textbook triad. Progressive distress after chest trauma rides in an ambulance.

This field guide does not replace 911, a medical director, or licensed clinical judgment. It does not authorize anyone to practice beyond license and current training.