Sucking Chest Wound

I think I will start with the basics and add more later. The basic medical information contained below is from FM 21-11 first aid and the American Red Cross First aid course book. Pretty basic! Some one has just been shot in the chest and you need to help them. "After the smoke has cleared" (other situation may include knife wound to the chest, impalement on a object, or anything that penetrates the chest and displaces the "vacuum".

a. Evaluate the Casualty, Be prepared to perform lifesaving measures. The basic lifesaving measures may include clearing the airway, rescue breathing, treatment for shock, and/or bleeding control. Be sure to protect yourself with gloves as a minimum and a CPR mask is good too!
b. Expose the Wound. If appropriate, cut or remove the casualty's clothing to expose the entire area of the wound. Remember, DO NOT remove clothing that is stuck to the wound because additional injury may result. DO NOT attempt to clean the wound. Pink frothy blood maybe present wipe pipe will shift from
midline to unaffected side over time.

NOTE (You should have a minimium of x2 Field dressing or Blood Stopper brand dressing with you)

Examine the casualty to see if there is an entry and/or exit wound. If there are two wounds (entry, exit), perform the same procedure for both wounds. Treat the more serious (heavier bleeding, larger) wound first. It may be necessary to improvise a dressing for the second wound by using strips of cloth, such as a torn T-shirt, or whatever material is available. Also, listen for sucking sounds to determine if the chest wall is punctured.

CAUTION

If there is an object extending from (impaled in) the wound, DO NOT remove the object. Apply a dressing around the object and use additional improvised bulky materials /dressings (use the cleanest materials available) to build up the area around the object. Apply a supporting bandage over the bulky materials to hold them in place. (use the casualty's first aid equipment on him if possible)

c. Open the Casualty's Field Dressing Plastic Wrapper. The plastic wrapper is used with the field dressing to create an airtight seal. If a plastic wrapper is not available, or if an additional wound needs to be treated; cellophane, foil, the casualty's poncho, or similar material may be used. The covering should be wide enough to extend 2 inches or more beyond the edges of the wound in all directions. If dressings with tails are not provided use tape to secure the plastic on three sides (this will create a flutter valve)

If you are using military field dressings

(1) Tear open one end of the casualty's plastic wrapper covering the field dressing. Be careful not to destroy the wrapper and DO NOT touch the inside of the wrapper.

(2) Remove the inner packet (field dressing).

(3) Complete tearing open the empty plastic wrapper using as much of the wrapper as possible to create a flat surface.

d. Place the Wrapper Over the Wound. Place the inside surface of the plastic wrapper directly over the wound when the casualty exhales and hold it in place. The casualty may hold the plastic wrapper in place if he is able.

e. Apply the Dressing to the Wound.

(1) Use your free hand and shake open the field dressing.
(2) Place the white side of the dressing on the plastic wrapper covering the wound.
(3) Have the casualty breathe normally.
(4) While maintaining pressure on the dressing, grasp one tail of the field dressing with the other hand and wrap it around the casualty's back.
(5) Wrap the other tail in the opposite direction, bringing both tails over the dressing.
(6) Tie the tails into a nonslip knot in the center of the dressing after the casualty exhales and before he inhales. This will aid in maintaining pressure on the bandage after it has been tied. Tie the dressing firmly enough to secure the dressing without interfering with the casualty's breathing. When practical, apply direct manual pressure over the dressing for 5 to 10 minutes to help control the bleeding.
f. Position the Casualty. Position the casualty on his injured side or in a sitting position, whichever makes breathing easier.
g. Seek Medical Aid. Contact medical personnel.

*WARNING

Even if an airtight dressing has been placed properly, air may still enter the chest cavity without having means to escape. This causes a life-threatening condition called tension pneumothorax. If the casualty's condition (for example, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, restlessness, or grayness of skin in a dark-skinned individual [or blueness in an individual with light skin) worsens after placing the dressing.