Chest+Injuries

**Chest Injuries**
__Signs and Symptoms__
 * bruising/cyanosis
 * muscular aches
 * shortness of breath
 * respiratory distress
 * chest pain
 * shock
 * distended neck veins
 * flail chest
 * open wounds
 * tracheal deviation
 * subcutaneous emphysema

__Management__

Management of a Flail Chest: 1. Follow DRABCD <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">2. If casualty conscious, place casualty in a comfortable position (normally half-sitting, leaning to the injured side) <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">3. If casualty unconscious, turn to the injured side, in a recovery position. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">4. Loosen tight clothing <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">5. Place a large bulky dressing over the loose area with a firm bandage. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">6. Call 000 for an ambulance

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Management of a Penetrating Chest Wound: <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">1. Follow DRABCD <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">2. Place casualty in whatever position makes breathing easiest <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">3. Cover the wound – use the casualty’s or your own gloved hand. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">4. Cover wound with a dressing, such as plastic sheet, bag, aluminium foil or sterile dressing. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">5. Seal with tape on three sides (not bottom), to allow fluid to escape. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">6. Call 000 for an ambulance

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Management of Fractured Ribs: <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">1. Follow DRABCD <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">2. Place casualty in comfortable position <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">3. Encourage the casualty to breathe with short breaths <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">4. Gently place ample padding over the injured area <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">5. Apply one or two broad bandages, securing arm and padding to chest on injured side. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">6. Tie bandages in front on uninjured side <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">7. Immobilise the arm using a sling or collar and cuff sling <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">8. Call 000 for an ambulance