Chest Injury

Call 911

• Emergency medical assistance is critical for any serious wound to the chest.
• Even if there are no external wounds, there may be internal damage.

1. Begin CPR, if Necessary

• If the person’s breathing has stopped or seems dangerously weak:
• For a child, start CPR for children.
• For an adult, start adult CPR.

2. Cover an Open Wound

• Use a cloth, pad, piece of clothing, plastic, aluminum, or whatever is at hand.
• If possible, cover two inches beyond the edge of the wound.
• If blood bubbles up from the wound or you hear air passing through the chest cavity, tape cover down on three sides to prevent air from building up in the chest.
• Do not remove any objects that have penetrated the chest.

3. Stop Bleeding, if Necessary

• Apply pressure over dressing to control bleeding.
• If blood soaks through the dressing, apply additional dressing on top of old one.

4. Position Person to Make Breathing Easier

• If possible, place the person on the injured side or sitting up.

5. Monitor Breathing

• If breathing becomes weak, apply CPR as instructed above.

6. Follow Up

• The medical team will assess the injury and stabilize the person.
• A blood transfusion may be necessary if there is significant blood loss.
• Surgery is likely for a serious chest injury.

SOURCES:

American College of Emergency Physicians Foundation: “What to Do in a Medical Emergency."

First Aid Manual, Departments of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

Thygerson, A. First Aid, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2006.