How to Assess Lung Injuries

A lung injury can occur anytime a person receives a severe blow to the chest. Whenever you suspect a rib fracture, look for a lung injury as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for signs of respiratory distress immediately after a major impact to the chest: rapid and shallow breathing, an elevated heart rate, a bluish tint around the nose and mouth, no detectable breathing. If any of these signs are present, suspect a lung injury.

2. Look for the signs of a punctured lung: increasing difficulty breathing, coughing up blood.

3. Put an ear to both sides of the injured person's chest and listen to the breathing: Can you hear air entering both sides of the chest? If air is entering only one side, suspect a lung injury.

4. Look for an open chest wound or an impaled object in the chest. If either of these is present, suspect a lung injury.

5. Treat immediately: Maintain an open airway, seal any open chest wounds, stop the bleeding, stabilize any impaled objects, have the person sit or lie in the position of greatest comfort (see "How to Treat Lung Injuries").

6. Evacuate immediately, monitoring for respiratory distress. The person will not be able to walk out and must be carried on a backboard or in a litter, or flown out with a helicopter.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not administer narcotics such as codeine for pain. These may interfere with the injured person's ability to breathe.
• Never wrap an adhesive bandage around the entire chest, as this will restrict breathing.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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