The cause of most, if not all, sucking wounds are penetrating chest injuries. The most obvious sign that someone has sustained a sucking chest wound is when there is evidence of an open wound and a sucking or hissing sound when they are breathing in and out. However, these may not always be present.
Upon suspecting this kind of injury, call emergency services immediately. Try to also call for another person or two within the vicinity to help as you wait for the emergency response team. In some situations, you may be instructed on what to do by the emergency number operator. If such guidance is not available, there are a number of things you can do as you wait.
As precautionary measure, ensure that you are not in danger even as you strive to sort out the injured. It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly and put on a pair of gloves to protect yourself and the victim. Identify any loose objects or clothes and remove them from the wound.
The objective is to make sure that no more air gets sucked in. All the open wounds should be sealed by use of tape. If a tape is not available then any air right material such as plastic strip can be used. The palm of the hand can be used as a last resort if there is no other option.
Depending on the nature of the injury, there may be a number of complications noted immediately or later. If the lung is punctured, there is a high risk of a condition known as tension pneumothorax. The underlying problem here is the escape of air from the lungs and entrapment within the chest cavity. The resultant pressure impedes circulation and may cause death.
Once the seals have been created, you need to be wary of tension pneumothorax. Some of the signs that suggest this complication is setting include crackling sounds palpated under the skin, shallow rapid breaths, a blue coloration of fingers and engorged neck veins. If these are noted, the seal should be opened immediately. In case the patient stops breathing before the emergency team arrives then you will need to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR.
Getting the patient to a hospital should be done expeditiously. Because of the strain associated with this kind of injury, oxygen therapy is vital. At the same time, a doctor will need to let out as much of the air that has already been sucked in as possible. This is done by placement of what is known as a chest drain. The drain remains in place for hours or days.
In cases where appropriate first aid measures are undertaken and the surgical intervention availed in time, the prognosis is almost always favourable. Remember that the area affected is delicate and a second lost could be the difference between life and death. A week or two of hospital stay are usually required before one can be discharged. A longer recovery period will be needed if the patient sustained multiple injuries. Full recovery takes three to six months.
Upon suspecting this kind of injury, call emergency services immediately. Try to also call for another person or two within the vicinity to help as you wait for the emergency response team. In some situations, you may be instructed on what to do by the emergency number operator. If such guidance is not available, there are a number of things you can do as you wait.
As precautionary measure, ensure that you are not in danger even as you strive to sort out the injured. It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly and put on a pair of gloves to protect yourself and the victim. Identify any loose objects or clothes and remove them from the wound.
The objective is to make sure that no more air gets sucked in. All the open wounds should be sealed by use of tape. If a tape is not available then any air right material such as plastic strip can be used. The palm of the hand can be used as a last resort if there is no other option.
Depending on the nature of the injury, there may be a number of complications noted immediately or later. If the lung is punctured, there is a high risk of a condition known as tension pneumothorax. The underlying problem here is the escape of air from the lungs and entrapment within the chest cavity. The resultant pressure impedes circulation and may cause death.
Once the seals have been created, you need to be wary of tension pneumothorax. Some of the signs that suggest this complication is setting include crackling sounds palpated under the skin, shallow rapid breaths, a blue coloration of fingers and engorged neck veins. If these are noted, the seal should be opened immediately. In case the patient stops breathing before the emergency team arrives then you will need to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR.
Getting the patient to a hospital should be done expeditiously. Because of the strain associated with this kind of injury, oxygen therapy is vital. At the same time, a doctor will need to let out as much of the air that has already been sucked in as possible. This is done by placement of what is known as a chest drain. The drain remains in place for hours or days.
In cases where appropriate first aid measures are undertaken and the surgical intervention availed in time, the prognosis is almost always favourable. Remember that the area affected is delicate and a second lost could be the difference between life and death. A week or two of hospital stay are usually required before one can be discharged. A longer recovery period will be needed if the patient sustained multiple injuries. Full recovery takes three to six months.
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