Penetrating Chest Trauma

The ABCs are the backbone of the trauma primary survey. Nowhere is this more important than in the setting of penetrating chest trauma. The Airway (trachea), Breathing (lungs), and Circulation (heart and aorta) all have their most vital components within the chest. This chapter discusses examination and treatment plans for tracheobronchial injury, open pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, hemothorax, cardiac tamponade, and resuscitative thoracotomy followed up by a secondary survey.