(INJ) Chest, Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries Lesson Five

Chest, Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries

Chest injuries can be inherently serious, as this area of the body houses many critical organs, such as the heart, lungs, and many blood vessels. Most chest trauma injuries should receive professional medical attention. Always call for an ambulance for any potentially serious chest injury.

Rib Injuries

A common result of trauma to the chest is damage to the victim's rib cage. The curved shape of the rib cage helps to deflect the force of some injuries, but damage to cartilage or the ribs themselves can still result. While a single broken rib can be very painful for the patient, a number of broken ribs can lead to other complications. A victim with broken ribs may take very shallow breaths without even noticing it, as their body tries to prevent the pain with taking a full breath.

Rib Injuries Recognition Trouble breathing Shallow breathing Tenderness at site of injury Deformity and bruising of chest Pain upon movement/deep breathing/coughing Dusky or blue lips or nail beds • May cough up blood • A serious chest injury may also indicate a serious spinal injury. Treatment Assess ABCs and intervene as necessary Call for an ambulance Do not move the victim and minimize movement Assist the victim into a position of comfort (typically seated upright, to avoid fighting gravity) Use a pillow, rolled up blanket, or other soft item to support and immobilize the area. • Monitor patient's condition carefully and take steps to minimize shock. Be vigilant, keep alert for any changes.

Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries

Abdominal trauma is an injury to the abdomen, located immediately under the chest and above the pelvis. It may be blunt or penetrating and may involve damage to the abdominal organs. Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, tenderness, rigidity, external bleeding, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thirst, protruding organs and bruising of the external abdomen. Abdominal trauma presents a risk of severe blood loss and infection.

Read the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Participants Manual below for an explanation of the signs and treatment protocol for abdominal injuries.

Pelvic injuries involve injuries to the lower part of the trunk which contains the bladder, reproductive organs and part of the large intestines. Major arteries and nerves are also located in this sensitive area. Signs and symptoms are the same as those of an abdominal injury, as is the treatment and care procedures.

Participants manual from http://www.editiondigital.net/publication/?i=64159  

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