Sucking Chest Wounds
Treat an open pneumothorax with either an occlusive dressing OR commercial chest seal device (Ascherman).
If not using a commercial chest seal, you make sure to leave a corner of dressing un-taped. Place tape on all sides of the bandage and leave one corner open. With the corner being open this will allow air to escape, lessening intrathoracic pressure in the chest.
Exhibit 1: Occlusive Dressing note the dressing is taped on only three of the 4 sides.
Image source: Health Sciences Media Division, US Army Medical Department C&S, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. From “Treat an Open (Sucking) Chest Wound,” A1701-93-000086, public domain image.
Exhibit 2: Ascherman (commercial chest seal). Note there is a piece of tubing that acts as a valve.
Sucking Chest Wound |
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