What are Differences Between Closed and Open Chest Injuries?

Types of Chest Injuries

Chest injuries can be classified as either open or closed, with closed injuries being further divided into three subcategories: sucking chest wounds, flail chest, and tension pneumothorax. Sucking chest wounds, which account for approximately 5% of all chest injuries, are the most common closed chest injury. These wounds occur when a bullet or shrapnel enters the chest, creating a small hole in the chest wall. The negative pressure inside the chest cavity causes air to suck in, leading to a decrease in lung function.

Assessment and Treatment of Closed Chest Injuries

Assessing a closed chest injury involves checking for signs of respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, decreased lung sounds, and a decrease in blood oxygen levels. In the case of a sucking chest wound, a dressing should be applied to cover the wound, and a one-way valve or a flutter valve should be placed over the dressing to allow air to escape while preventing air from entering the chest cavity. This can be achieved using a commercially available device or by creating a makeshift valve using a piece of plastic or a similar material. The patient should be transported to a medical facility as soon as possible.

First Aid Techniques for Closed Chest Injuries

First aid techniques for closed chest injuries focus on maintaining a patent airway, providing adequate ventilation, and controlling bleeding. For sucking chest wounds, a dressing should be applied to the wound, and a one-way valve should be placed over the dressing. The dressing should be secured with tape or a bandage, and the patient should be positioned in a position of comfort to reduce respiratory distress. In addition to these measures, the patient should be monitored for signs of respiratory distress and transported to a medical facility as soon as possible.