Penetrating chest trauma

Overview

Chest trauma is the second most common traumatic injury in non-intentional trauma. (Ludwig & Koryllos, 2017) Trauma to the chest is associated with the highest mortality; in some studies, up to 60% depending on the mechanism of injury. (Mumtaz, Zahur, Raza & Mumtaz, 2017) While penetrating chest trauma is less common than blunt trauma, it can be more deadly. Penetrating chest trauma admissions account for 1-13% of all trauma admissions. (Karmy-Jones et al, 2014).

Knowledge of likely sequelae of injury patterns are key factors for assessment, management and patient survival.

Description

This resource kit provides healthcare workers with the skills to assess and manage low velocity penetrating chest wall trauma. The scenario encompasses the decision making and procedural skill for insertion of an intercostal catheter to manage a traumatic haemo-pneumothorax.

Learning objectives

• Demonstrate the assessment of a trauma patient with penetrating chest injuries.
• Identify the need for escalation of decompression strategy in penetrating chest wall trauma.
• Recognise and effectively manage a patient with immediately life-threatening penetrating chest trauma.

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Further Reading