Thoracic Trauma

Thoracic Trauma
By:EMS Professions
Temple College

Thoracic Trauma
* Second leading cause of trauma deaths after head injury
* Cause of about 10-20% of all trauma deaths
* Many deaths due to thoracic trauma are preventable
* Prevention Strategies
* Mechanisms of Injury
* Anatomical Injuries


What structures may be involved with each injury?
* Often result in:
o Hypoxia
o Hypercarbia
o Acidosis
* Ventilation & Respiration Review
* General Pathophysiology
* Initial exam directed toward life threatening:
o Injuries
o Conditions
* Assessment Findings

Specific Injuries
Rib Fracture
* Management
Sternal Fracture
* Management
Flail Chest
* Management
Simple Pneumothorax
* Management
Open Pneumothorax
* Management
Tension Pneumothorax
* Management
Hemothorax
* Management
Pulmonary Contusion
* Management
Cardiovascular Trauma
Myocardial Contusion
* Management
Pericardial Tamponade
* Management
Traumatic Aortic Dissection/Rupture
* Management
Traumatic Asphyxia
* Management
Diaphragmatic Rupture
* Management
Diaphragmatic Penetration
Esophageal Injury
* Management
Tracheobronchial Rupture
* Management
Pitfalls to Avoid

Thoracic Trauma.ppt