Sucking Chest Wound

The most serious chest wound that requires immediate first aid is a sucking chest wound (Open Pneumothorax). This is a penetrating injury that makes a hole in the chest cavity, causing the lung to collapse, which prevents normal breathing.

WARNING! This condition is a medical emergency that will result in death if not treated quickly.

Collapsed Lung

Sucking (open) chest wound causes the rapid collapse of the lung.

Loss of pressure in chest cavity. Air sucked in and out of the wound.

Seal the wound with your hand or any airtight (plastic bag, aluminum foil) material available — Leave one corner untapped to act as a valve to prevent pressure build-up.

Normal Lungs

The injury may cause the casualty to cough up blood and to have a rapid or a weak heartbeat. A casualty with an open chest wound has a punctured chest wall. The sucking sound heard when he breathes is caused by air leaking into his chest cavity.

If the casualty has a sucking chest wound, do the following:

  • Immediately seal the wound with your hand or any airtight (plastic bag, aluminum foil) material available. The material must be large enough so that it will not be sucked into the wound when the casualty breaths.
  • Firmly tape the material in place with adhesive tape — leave one corner untapped to prevent a pressure buildup. The purpose of the dressing is to keep air from going in through the wound.

    WARNING! If the casualty's condition deteriorates, remove the seal immediately.
  • Lay the casualty on his or her affected side.
  • Treat for shock - Place the casualty in a semi-sitting position, to help them breath easier.
  • Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink. If the casualty complains of thirst, wet his or her lips with a wet towel.
  • Seek medical assistance immediately.

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 worsens (diffi culty breathing, shortness of breath, restlessness, or grayness or blueness skin) after placing the dressing — quickly lift or remove, then replace the airtight dressing.