Penetrating Chest Injury

Abstract

Allp atients sustaining a penetrating injury to the chest should be promptly transported to the nearest trauma care facility. Initial treatment consists of rapid assessment of the victim’s injuries, management of the airway, placing two large-bore intravenous lines (18 gauge or larger), immediate fluid resuscitation. While it is advised that interventions should not be undertaken at the scene that may compromise transport time, there are three circumstances when this conviction should not be upheld; sucking chest wounds, tension pneumothorax, and nericardial tamponade.