Simple/Closed Pneumothorax

Simple/Closed PneumothoraxSimple/Closed PneumothoraxOpening in lung tissue that leaks air into chest cavityBlunt trauma is main causeMay be spontaneousUsually self correcting

S/S of Simple/Closed PneumothoraxChest PainDyspneaTachypneaDecreased Breath Sounds on Affected SideTreatment for Simple/Closed PneumothoraxABCs with C-spine controlAirway Assistance as neededIf not contraindicated transport in semi-sitting positionProvide supportive careContact Hospital and/or ALS unit as soon as possibleBLS Plus CareCardiac MonitorIV access and Draw Blood SamplesProvide Airway Management which includes possible IntubationMonitor for Development of Tension PneumothoraxOpen PneumothoraxOpening in chest cavity that allows air to enter pleural cavityCauses the lung to collapse due to increased pressure in pleural cavityCan be life threatening and can deteriorate rapidly

Open Pneumothorax

Open PneumothoraxInhaleOpen PneumothoraxExhaleOpen PneumothoraxInhaleOpen PneumothoraxExhaleOpen PneumothoarxInhaleOpen PnuemothoraxInhaleS/S of Open PneumothoraxDyspneaSudden sharp painSubcutaneous EmphysemaDecreased lung sounds on affected sideRed Bubbles on Exhalation from wound ( a.k.a. Sucking chest wound)

Sucking Chest Wound

Treatment for Open PneumothoraxABCs with c-spine control as indicatedHigh Flow oxygen Listen for decreased breath sounds on affected sideApply occlusive dressing to woundNotify Hospital and ALS unit as soon as possible