Treatment of a Penetrating Chest Injury
The chest is home to a number of the body’s vital organs. Penetrating injuries of the chest can lead to life-threatening complications which could require emergency treatment. Some of the organs that might be damaged in the chest including the heart, lungs, aorta, and esophagus. Even though the rib cage protects these organs, catastrophic injuries can still result. Some of the mechanisms of penetrating chest injuries include:
- Damage from shrapnel and debris in an auto accident
- Penetrating injuries that might be sustained in a motorcycle or bicycle accident
- Fall injuries from a great height
- A physical assault
If someone has suffered a penetrating injury of the chest, some of the symptoms that could result include a rising heart rate, rapid respiratory rate, and a feeling of doom. Because of this, individuals need to seek medical care as quickly as possible.
Emergency Treatment of Penetrating Lung Injuries
If a penetrating injury of the chest damages lungs, there are a number of emergent complications that could result. Some of these include:
- A collapsed lung called a pneumothorax
- A fluid that fills the chest cavity, called a hemothorax
- A rapidly progressing infection which leads to septic shock termed an empyema
All of these complications are life-threatening and will require emergency surgery. In order to treat a collapsed lung, a chest tube was inserted to remove the air from the chest cavity, allowing the lung to reinflate. This same chest tube can be used to train other types of fluid that fill the chest cavity, including water, blood, and infected fluid. The entire goal of emergency lung treatment is to allow the lungs to inflated and deflate normally, allowing the individual to breathe.
Injuries to the Heart Require Emergency Surgery
A penetrating wound of the chest could also damage the heart. One of the most common types of penetrating cardiac injuries leads to pericardial effusion. When this happens in a traumatic accident, this often leads to a situation called cardiac tamponade. In this situation, fluid fills the outside of the heart, compressing it. When this occurs, the heart is not allowed to pump regularly. This can lead to a complete cessation of blood flow throughout the body, leading to a drop in blood pressure. Emergency treatment involves cardiac surgery to drain this fluid, allowing the heart to pump regularly. If this injury is not detected quickly, it could result in death.
Watch YouTube Video: Chest Trauma Treatment: Blunt, Penetrating, Impaled. This informative video provides an overview of the treatment and assessment of chest trauma.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
Penetrating injuries of the chest can lead to life-threatening complications that could place a loved one in the intensive care unit, requiring emergency surgery. This can leave families with many different questions and a feeling of uncertainty regarding the future. Because of this, families should ask for assistance. A trained personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can help families with the recovery process. Some of the resources that could be shared include:
- Taking a look at the records from the incident, ensuring that all of the details from the accident have been considered in an appropriate manner
- Helping families in pursuing damages that stem from the accident, the injury, and its complications
- Moving a case from the negotiating table to the courts when needed
Lastly, families should remember to ask for help during this stressful time. They do not have to face this situation alone. Take the time to meet with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. You could be owed a financial award.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. A penetrating injury of the chest could lead to life-threatening injuries of the lungs or heart. If your family member has suffered a severe chest injury in a road traffic accident, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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