To define protocols for the diagnosis and management of specific chest injuries that are commonly seen after trauma. Severe blunt force applied to the chest. Rapid deceleration injury. Chest wall contusion. Chest wall laceration.
Absent breath sounds.
Crepitance or subcutaneous emphysema. Discordant breathing pattern. If wound is below the nipples, refer to guidelines for penetrating abdominal trauma . If the injury is between the nipples, below the clavicle and above the lower costal margin, consider the possibility of cardiac injury with occult cardiac tamponade. Obtain echocardiogram to look for pericardial effusion.