How to Assess Lung Injuries

A lung injury can occur anytime a person receives a severe blow to the chest. Whenever you suspect a rib fracture, look for a lung injury as well.

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Step1
Look for signs of respiratory distress immediately after a major impact to the chest: rapid and shallow breathing, an elevated heart rate, a bluish tint around the nose and mouth, no detectable breathing. If any of these signs are present, suspect a lung injury.


Step2
Look for the signs of a punctured lung: increasing difficulty breathing, coughing up blood.


Step3
Put an ear to both sides of the injured person's chest and listen to the breathing: Can you hear air entering both sides of the chest? If air is entering only one side, suspect a lung injury.


Step4
Look for an open chest wound or an impaled object in the chest. If either of these is present, suspect a lung injury.


Step5
Treat immediately: Maintain an open airway, seal any open chest wounds, stop the bleeding, stabilize any impaled objects, have the person sit or lie in the position of greatest comfort (see "How to Treat Lung Injuries").


Step6
Evacuate immediately, monitoring for respiratory distress. The person will not be able to walk out and must be carried on a backboard or in a litter, or flown out with a helicopter.

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