Normal lung compared to Collapsed lung
What is a sucking chest wound?
A collection of air or gas in the pleural space causing the lung to collapse most often as a result of penetrating trauma such as a stab or gunshot wound. The term “sucking chest wound” comes from the audible motion of air into but not out of the pleural cavity and causing an eventual tension pneumothorax
Signs / Symptoms:
1. Chest wall trauma (Bleeding/wound).
2. Shortness of breath and tachypnea (breathing fast).
3. Decreased chest wall motion.
4. May hear a moist sucking or bubbling sounds as air moves in and out of the chest wall defect.
Treatment:
Exit wound check
1. Check casualty for entrance and exit wound.
2. Clean area around the wound.
Alpha Outpost Chest Seal
3. Cover wound with chest seal.
4. Seal (tape) wound on 4 sides.
5. Monitor vitals.
6. Replace to relieve pressure if the patient becomes very short of breath and has extreme difficulty moving air in and out.