Chest Injuries

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

• Did pt experience blunt or penetrating trauma?
• Is pt unstable?
  • Is the airway intact (A)?
  • Tension pneumothorax (B)
  • Massive air leak/embolism (B)
  • Cardiac tamponade (C)
  • Hypovolemia from hemorrhage (C)
  • Acute cardiogenic shock (rare) (C)
  • Does pt have a concurrent MI? (C)
  • Evaluate disability for concomitant head injury (D).