Perform First Aid for an Open Chest
Wound
Instructor
Assistant Instructor/s
Class Length
Safety Brief
Evaluation Process
081-831-1026 (SL1) - Perform First Aid
for an Open Chest Wound
• Conditions: You see a casualty who has
an open chest wound. The casualty is
breathing. Necessary equipment and
materials: casualty's first aid packet
and material to improvise a dressing
(clothing or blankets).
081-831-1026 (SL1) - Perform First Aid
for an Open Chest Wound
• Standards: Applied a dressing to the
wound following the correct sequence,
without causing further injury to the
casualty. The wound was properly
sealed and the dressing was firmly
secured without interfering with
breathing.
Check the casualty for signs and
symptoms of an open chest wound.
• A puncture wound of the chest.
• "sucking" or "hissing" sound when
inhaling.
• Froth or bubbles around the injury
Note. If there are two wounds
 Check for an exit
wound
 Start with more
serious wound
1. Uncover the wound
 unless clothing is
stuck to the wound
 or in a chemical
environment
 WARNING: Do not
clean the wound
2. Apply airtight material over
the wound.
 Use casualty's field
dressing
 Use opened outer
wrapper
 or other airtight
material
2. Apply airtight material over
the wound.
 After the casualty
exhales
 Apply inner surface
over wound
 Hold in place
Note. When applying the airtight material try
not to touch the inner surface.
3. Apply the casualty's field
dressing.
 Directly over the
airtight material
 Apply dressing
white side down
 casualty breathe
normally
3. Apply the casualty's field
dressing.
 wrap the tails around
the body
 Than back to the
starting point
 maintain pressure on
dressing throughout
process
3. Apply the casualty's field
dressing.
 casualty has
exhaled completely
 over the center of
the dressing
 Tie the tails into a
non-slip knot
3. Apply the casualty's field
dressing.
 Ensure knot is tied
firmly
 Enough to secure
the dressing
 without interfering
with breathing
Note. When practical, apply direct manual pressure over the
dressing for 5 to 10 minutes to help control the bleeding.
4. Position the casualty
 on the injured side
 or sitting
 whichever makes
breathing easier
WARNING
If the casualty's condition (difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath,
restlessness, or blueness of skin) worsens after placing the dressing,
quickly lift or remove and then replace the airtight dressing
Task Competition
Note.
1. Watch the casualty for life-threatening
conditions
2. check for other injuries
3. and seek medical aid
Questions?