#Signs of blunt force trauma free

Note: It is hard for us to grasp on scene but, a restrained passenger is more likely than an unrestrained passenger to suffer sternal fracture.Ī flail chest occurs when 3 or more ribs are fractured at two or more places, creating a free moving segment of the chest wall moving paradoxically to the rest of the chest. Flail segments can be located anteriorly, laterally or posteriorly. Because of the heart’s location directly posterior to the sternum, cardiac complications such as myocardial contusion can occur with a fractured or displaced sternum. Sternal fracture and costochondral separation (separation of the sternum from the ribs) are often caused by anterior blunt force trauma. are associated with a high risk of intra-abdominal injury, especially injuries to the liver and spleen. These ribs are attached to the sternum anteriorly and the spine posteriorly. Ribs 4–9 are the most common ribs injured because they are exposed and relatively immobile. The presence of two or more rib fractures at any level on the thoracic cage is associated with a higher incidence of internal injuries. Although very painful for the patient, the problem with a rib fracture is not usually the fracture itself, but with the potential for internal injury that accompany the fractures such as:įractures of the first 3 ribs are uncommon they are shorter, stiffer, and are protected by the clavicle, scapula, and muscles of the upper chest wall. Rib fractures are the most common chest injury. Penetrating chest trauma can also cause hypoxia with hypocarbia as inspiratory pressures lost. Blunt chest wall injuries include rib fractures from a single rib to a flail chest, as well as sternal fractures. Acidosis and respiratory failure will ensue if emergency interventions are not initiated quickly.

A blunt thoracic injury resulting in inadequate ventilation can quickly lead to hypoxia and hypercarbia. It is crucial for a person to have an intact thoracic cage for adequate ventilation to take place. Heart/Great Vessels (Myocardium, Aorta, Pulmonary vessels).Pulmonary injury (Trachea, Bronchi, Lungs).Skeletal injury (Ribs, Clavicles, Sternum).Blast injuries (both primary and secondary)ĭifferent thoracic injuries/trauma, classified by the area of involvement:.Falls from excessive heights (usually >15’ vertically).It is important for all EMS providers to be suspicious and vigilant when faced with a chest trauma patient.Ĭhest injuries are caused by blunt force trauma, penetrating trauma or both. Quick and Dirty Guide to Chest Trauma Chest injuries are responsible for 25% of all traumatic deaths annually.

Signs of blunt force trauma