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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After a fall or blow to the chest, breathing is painful, especially when taking a deep breath, coughing, or laughing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sharp pain in chest wall that worsens with deep breath or touch.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bruising over ribs after fall or blow.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Danger: gasping, blue lips, one side of chest not moving, coughing blood.
Scene hazards: Further falls, Traffic
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Help them sit up or lean slightly toward the injured side — whatever eases breathing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ask them to take slow, shallow breaths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Place a pillow or folded arm against the chest when they need to cough or move.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cold pack wrapped in cloth for 15-20 minutes can reduce pain and swelling.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if breathing becomes difficult or they feel faint.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if trouble breathing, chest deformity, fall from height, or coughing blood.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Otherwise seek same-day medical assessment for pain control and chest exam.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Elderly people, major trauma, and anyone with breathing difficulty need urgent evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT wrap the chest tightly with cloth or tape — this prevents deep breathing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT tell them to hold their breath or avoid coughing completely — shallow coughs help clear lungs.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You must wrap the ribs tightly to keep them in place
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tight binding reduces lung expansion and increases pneumonia risk. Support during movement is safer.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shallow breathing and lung infection from immobilized chest.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Broken ribs are painful but often heal on their own. The main risk is shallow breathing leading to lung problems.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Multiple rib breaks or breaks from major trauma can affect breathing seriously.