Chest injuries usually fall into one of three categories: penetrating wounds, blast injuries, and broken bones.
Penetrating Wounds
Allow air from the outside to enter the lungs directly. This causes breathing difficulties similar to those of Asphyxia; blood may be coughed up; the wound itself may make sucking noises.
The first thing to do is cover the hole in the chest to prevent the air from getting in; polythene and adhesive tape make an effective seal, and will make breathing easier. Then sit the casualty upright, leaning his or her body to one side so that the undamaged lung is uppermost. Contact Emergency Medical Services.
Blast Injuries
Caused when the chest is compressed by a sudden increase in air pressure due to an explosion. Again, there may be signs of Asphyxia there may be other internal injuries, and the person may also be in a state of panic, which further interferes with breathing.
Do not move the casualty unless it is absolutely necessary, to avoid further danger.
Examine him or her and treat the most serious condition first. Then contact Emergency Medical Services.
Specific remedy to be given every 15 minutes for up to 6 doses
- Aconite 6c, followed by Arnica 6c four times a day for up to 7 days
Fractures of the Ribs or Breastbone
Usually due to falls, blows, or crushing injuries, cause intense pain at the slightest movement. A stove-in chest, in which several ribs may have been broken, causes 'paradoxical' breathing- the ribs are sucked in on inhalation and out on exhalation, the opposite of what normally happens. Breathing will be difficult; there may also be Internal Bleeding.
Fold the arm across the chest on the injured side and bandage it in place. Position the casualty in a half-sitting position with the uninjured side uppermost. Contact Emergency Medical Services.
Specific remedies
- Bryonia 30c every 1/4 hour until pain begins to wear off, followed by Symphytum 6c twice daily for up to 3 weeks to speed healing
|
Back to Ailments & Diseases
