Page 122 - Participant Manual

First Aid Care for Chest Injuries

First aid care for a chest injury depends on the type of injury.

Rib Fracture

Give the person a pillow or folded blanket to hold
against the injured area to provide support and
make breathing more comfortable. The person
should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, so
call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number if
it is not possible to safely or comfortably move the
person to a vehicle for transport to a healthcare
facility. While you are waiting for help to arrive,
have the person rest in a position that will make
breathing easier, monitor the person’s breathing
and give care for shock, if necessary.

Sucking Chest Wound

The care for a sucking chest wound is slightly different from the care for other types of open wounds. If
external bleeding is present, apply direct pressure to the wound to control the bleeding, but remove each
dressing as it becomes saturated with blood and replace it with a clean one as needed. If there is no external
bleeding, do not cover the wound. It is important to avoid sealing an open chest wound because doing so
could lead to life-threatening complications. While you are waiting for help to arrive, monitor the person’s
breathing and care for shock, if necessary.

Abdominal Injuries

As with chest injuries, abdominal injuries can result from blunt or penetrating trauma and may be
accompanied by internal bleeding. It is especially difficult to determine if a person has an abdominal injury
if he or she is unresponsive and has no visible signs and symptoms of injury. Always suspect an abdominal
injury in a person who has multiple injuries. Conversely, if a person has an abdominal injury, be sure to check
the person for other injuries because abdominal injuries are often accompanied by injuries to the chest, pelvis
or head.

Signs and Symptoms of Abdominal Injuries

Signs and symptoms of a serious abdominal injury could include:

■ Severe pain. ■ Vomiting (sometimes blood).
■ Organs protruding from the abdomen. ■ Signs and symptoms of shock, such as excessive
■ A tender, swollen or rigid abdomen. thirst; skin that feels cool or moist and looks pale © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
or bluish; an altered level of consciousness; and
■ Bruising over the abdomen. a rapid, weak heartbeat.
■ Nausea.

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