An open pneumothorax is an open wound in the chest wall. Such a serious injury leads to the ingress of air into the pleural cavity. As a result, different pressure is formed in it and in the lung, as a result of which the lung contracts and stops working. This is a complex condition that requires surgical intervention, otherwise a lethal outcome or very complex consequences are possible. There are a lot of reasons for its occurrence, but, most often, the main one is a fracture of the ribs.
Pneumothorax is divided into closed and open, which, in turn, can be:
spontaneous;
traumatic;
artificial.
Each of them may require first aid and we must know how to do it correctly. But, before you start studying the algorithm for its rendering, remember that this is a particularly dangerous condition, so your every movement should be extremely careful.
An open pneumothorax is accompanied by a host of symptoms that are hard to miss. First of all, it is a wound in the chest area. The skin turns pale and gains a slightly bluish tint. The victim has a pulse, he breathes, but all this happens at an accelerated rhythm. Foamy blood appears on the surface of the wound. This state requires an instant reaction.
Emergency care for open pneumothorax
The first thing to do is call an ambulance. Next, assess the situation and act accordingly. In some cases, a regular bandage can help, only it should be tight and sealed. But special situations require more extensive knowledge about you.
If open pneumothorax manifests itself, emergency care should consist in the fastest possible restoration of breathing. This may require stopping bleeding that is obstructing the flow of air. Only then will it be possible to apply a bandage and create a somewhat elevated position.
It is very important that all manipulations are extremely careful, since the victim suffers severe pain. Try not to make it worse.
If you do not have sterile dressing tools at hand, use those at hand. Drag the patient with clothes, just try to make sure that the cleanest place touches the wound.
In some cases, the person may faint. In this case, you should let him smell any product with a pungent, pungent odor. Severe pain can be relieved with pain relievers.
In this state, the victim can wait for an ambulance. It must be transported to the department in a half-sitting position. He will be taken to surgery, where the doctor will numb the wound and suture the chest wall together with a lung resection. This will help restore respiratory function and soon the patient will recover.
Remember, if you see a pneumothorax, emergency care is needed. A person’s life depends on it, because in such a state he may simply not wait for an ambulance. Try to do everything that depends on you. Perhaps – this will be a ticket to his new life.