Title: TRAUMA.ORG: Thoracic Trauma
Headings: 

Content: FAST: Haemothorax,
diaphragm & liver
Arterial Blood Gas analysis
Arterial blood gas analyses should be drawn on all intubated and ventilated trauma patients, and any patient with significant chest trauma or eveidence of haemodynamic instability. Secondary Survey
As part of the secondary survey the chest is fully examined, front and back. Special attention is paid to identifying any missed injuries or progression of previously identified injuries. The examination is also directed by findings on the chest X-ray or by information from monitoring adjuncts. Further Investigation / Defintive Care
Results of the above examinations, and findings in other body regions, determine the subsequent disposition of the trauma patient. Further investigations may include: CT scan
Angiography
Oesophagoscopy / oesophagram
Bronchoscopy
Definitive care may include: Chest Drain
Thoracotomy
Transfer to critical care area for ventilation / observation
Computed Tomography
Thoracotomy

CHEST TRAUMA
INITIAL EVALUATION
PNEUMOTHORAX
TENSION PNEUMO
OPEN PNEUMO
HAEMOTHORAX
CONTUSION
RIB FRACTURE / FLAIL
AORTIC INJURY
CHEST DRAINS

trauma.org 9:2, February 2004