Quick Answer
Clinical signs indicating a need for urgent care include difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and a sucking chest wound that draws air into the chest cavity, often with a hissing sound. These signs can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Signs of a Sucking Chest Wound
A sucking chest wound is characterized by an open chest cavity that draws air in with each breath, often producing a hissing sound. If you suspect someone has a sucking chest wound, do not attempt to seal the wound with a bandage or cloth. Instead, use a plastic bag or a dressing that is held in place with tape to cover the wound and prevent air from entering the chest cavity. This is known as a “sucking chest wound dressing.” The dressing should be placed over the wound and held in place with tape, not allowing it to be removed by the patient.
Treatment for Shock and Respiratory Distress
If the patient is showing signs of shock, such as pale or cool skin, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing, elevate their legs 12 to 18 inches above the level of their heart to improve blood flow to vital organs. If the patient is experiencing respiratory distress, provide an oxygen mask and administer rescue breathing if necessary. Administering epinephrine (1 mg IV) can also help to improve blood pressure and cardiac output.
Transport and Medical Attention
Transport the patient to a medical facility immediately, ideally by ambulance. If no medical facility is available, stay with the patient and provide reassurance and comfort. Do not attempt to treat the patient further unless you are trained to do so. The patient will require immediate medical attention to stabilize their condition and prevent further complications.
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