--- title: "Respiratory Emergencies: Recognizing Thoracic Trauma" description: On the topic of respiratory emergencies, we discuss various ways the chest can be impacted by trauma and some clinical signs that may accompany such injuries. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-682326080.png --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [Respiratory Emergencies: Recognizing Thoracic Trauma](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-emergencies-recognizing-thoracic-trauma) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Feb 21, 2023 2:15:00 PM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-emergencies-recognizing-thoracic-trauma#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-emergencies-recognizing-thoracic-trauma#) 0 ![Respiratory Emergencies: Recognizing Thoracic Trauma](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-682326080.png?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-682326080.png "Respiratory Emergencies: Recognizing Thoracic Trauma") When we think of traumatic injury, we typically envision gruesome wounds: amputations, avulsions, impaled objects, and compound fractures. Any of these injuries can impact the thoracic cavity, but thoracic trauma can also be frighteningly subtle. Let’s explore the various ways the [chest can be impacted](https://blog.sscor.com/portable-suction-devices-for-trauma-associated-airway-compromise) by trauma and some of the clinical signs that may accompany such injuries.    Recognizing thoracic trauma is the first step in effective treatment. Thoracic trauma can result from myriad scenarios: automobile accidents, where the patient impacts the steering wheel; gunshot wounds, either through-and-through or those that pinball within the cavity; or stabbings, which can nick or sever veins and arteries. The result? A severely compromised patient.   [![New: Free Emergency Aspirator Purchasing Guide for Hospitals](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/8b3f08ff-a209-4f08-b702-68de84bac45b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/8b3f08ff-a209-4f08-b702-68de84bac45b)   ## **Recognizing Thoracic Trauma** The patient's presenting signs and symptoms will depend upon the structures affected and the extent of the damage. Minor trauma, such as an isolated fractured rib or a minor pulmonary contusion, may present with point tenderness and pain upon inhalation/exhalation. The patient's oxygen saturation will typically not be affected in such cases, and careful packaging and transport, along with supplemental oxygen (when necessary), continuous monitoring, and pain management, are about all that is required.   However, in the case of serious trauma, such as multiple fractures, major contusion (to lungs or heart), or collapsed lungs, the patient will exhibit [signs of hypoxia](https://blog.sscor.com/how-to-recognize-respiratory-emergencies-before-they-happen), and [immediate action](https://blog.sscor.com/critical-paramedic-airway-management-steps-you-cant-miss) is required. These conditions include:   - Flail chest - Hemothorax - Cardiac tamponade - Tension pneumothorax - Aortic disruption ## **Signs of Thoracic Trauma** Let's break the signs of thoracic trauma into two general categories: those exhibited on the chest itself and those [general signs](https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/thoracic-trauma/overview-of-thoracic-trauma) exhibited by the patient.   ### **Chest Signs** - Crepitus  - Bruising - Swelling - Deformity - Impalement – stabilize in place - Muffled heart tones - [Abnormal breath sounds ](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-emergencies-abnormal-respiratory-patterns-and-what-they-indicate)(crackles, wheezing) - Absent breath sounds - Asymmetrical chest rise - Subcutaneous emphysema ### **General Signs** - Dyspnea - Hypotension - Hypoxia - Tachycardia - Tachypnea - Pallor - Diaphoresis - Delayed capillary refill - Cyanosis [![New: Ultimate Guide To Purchasing A Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678)   ## **Treatment Considerations** Following your rapid assessment, immediate life-threatening conditions must be addressed and treated. These include:   - Oxygen therapy/assisting ventilations - Resuscitation - Controlling bleeding - Needle decompression - Immobilization Once the patient is packaged for transport, the secondary survey can be conducted, along with monitoring, IV access, fracture stabilization, and continuous reassessment. It is crucial to identify patients who require a [Level I trauma center](https://www.amtrauma.org/page/traumalevels) (or the highest level available). These patients include:   - Those with penetrating injuries to the head, neck, torso, and extremities proximal to the elbow and knee - Flail chest - Two or more proximal long-bone fractures - Crushed, degloved, or mangled extremity - Amputation proximal to the wrist and ankle - Pelvic fracture - Open or depressed skull fracture - Paralysis Just as thoracic trauma comes in a wide range of injuries, so too do the signs. The most important thing you, as an emergency responder, can do is recognize the signs, initiate effective treatment, and stay alert for any changes in the patient's condition.   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in February 2023. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.*   [![ultimate_guide_to_purchasing_aspirator](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/e3e3529c-4d5a-4301-9c0f-92c47b999ccb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/e3e3529c-4d5a-4301-9c0f-92c47b999ccb) Topics: [Airway management](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/airway-management) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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