Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries 7.3 Chest Injuries
Injuries to the chest can be serious as they can affect the casualty’s breathing.
Fractured ribs caused by a blow to the chest can be painful and uncomfortable but if the blow is significant the ribs could cause damage to the lungs, heart or liver causing internal bleeding.
Recognition - Pain, swelling and bruising at the site of the injury - Discomfort and pain when breathing - Shallow breathing - Possible signs of hypoxia - Possible signs of internal bleeding, coughing up of bright red, frothy blood
- You may be able to hear the sound of air being sucked into the chest cavity
Treatment
- Support the casualty into a sitting position leaning towards the injured side - Control any bleeding that is present - If this is a penetrating chest injury, secure a sterile dressing in place then seal with plastic or cling film on three sides leaving the bottom side open to allow air to escape
- Support the arm on the injured side using an elevation sling - Call 999/112 and ask for an ambulance
“Injuries to the chest can be serious as they can affect the casualty’s breathing”
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