![]() Although very painful for the patient, the problem with a rib fracture is not usually the fracture itself, but with the potential for internal injury that accompany the fractures such as:įractures of the first 3 ribs are uncommon they are shorter, stiffer, and are protected by the clavicle, scapula and muscles of the upper chest wall. Rib fractures are the most common chest injury. Penetrating chest trauma can also cause hypoxia with hypocarbia as inspiratory pressures lost. Blunt chest wall injuries include rib fractures from a single rib to a flail chest, as well as sternal fractures. Acidosis and respiratory failure will ensue if emergency interventions are not initiated quickly. A blunt thoracic injury resulting in inadequate ventilation, can quickly lead to hypoxia and hypercarbia. It is crucial for a person to have an intact thoracic cage for adequate ventilation to take place. Heart/Great Vessels (Myocardium, Aorta, Pulmonary vessels).Pulmonary injury (Trachea, Bronchi, Lungs).Skeletal injury (Ribs, Clavicles, Sternum).Blast injuries (both primary and secondary)ĭifferent thoracic injuries/trauma, classified by the area of involvement:.Falls from excessive heights (usually >15’ vertically).It is important for all EMS providers to be suspicious and vigilant when faced with a chest trauma patient.Ĭhest injuries are caused by blunt force trauma, penetrating trauma or both. ![]() Chest injuries are responsible for 25% of all traumatic deaths annually.
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