Chest wound

●Critical

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Call 112. Seal chest wound except one edge. Keep them upright. Do not pull out objects.

Step 1: Call 112 immediately
Step 2: Cover the wound with airtight material if possible — plastic or foil taped on three sides
Step 3: Keep the person sitting upright if breathing is hard, otherwise half-sitting
Step 4: Do not remove embedded objects
Step 5: Watch breathing — be ready to start CPR if they collapse

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT remove an object stuck in the chest.

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give food or drink.

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT lay the person flat if they struggle to breathe sitting up — support the position that helps most.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say: "Chest wound — trouble breathing" and whether there is an object embedded.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Report if breathing is getting worse or the person is losing consciousness.

Any penetrating chest wound needs emergency care immediately.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All open chest wounds require emergency hospital care and surgery may be needed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If breathing stops or the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR while waiting for paramedics.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Seal and support breathing. Do not remove objects, probe the wound, or attempt needle decompression.

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

Current step: Step 1 of 5

Chest wound — Do This Now | AidNow