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Significant chest wall blunt trauma/penetrating signs from vehicle accidents, car vs. pedestrian
(index of suspicion) -cardiac or pulmonary contusion
-pneumothorax
-broken ribs, causing respiratory compromise
Pulmonary blast injuries -pulmonary trauma resulting from short range exposure to the
detonation of explosives
*An arterial air embolism which is the most concerning pulmonary blast injury are air bubbles in
the arterial blood vessels
Subcutaneous Emphysema -crackling under the skin
Guide to patient assessment 1. BSI
2. Scene safety (PENMAN)
3. General impression/Manage life threats
, 4. Patient responsiveness (AVPU)
5. ABC's
6. Disabilities
7. Expose
8. Chief complaint
9. Transport decision
Secondary Assessment (Major trauma)
1. Rapid physical exam
*can be here to rapid transport your patient if need be
2. Vitals
3. OPQRST
4. SAMPLE
5. Detailed physical exam
Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) -an evaluation tool used to determine the level of
consciousness; which evaluates eye opening, verbal response, and motor response