An open pneumothorax is an open wound in the chest wall area. Such a serious injury leads to the entry of air into the pleural cavity. As a result, different pressures form in it and in the lung, causing the lung to contract and stop working. It is a complicated condition, which demands operative intervention, otherwise it may cause lethal outcome or very complicated consequences. There are a lot of reasons for its occurrence, but, more often than not, the main reason is rib fracture.

Pneumothorax is divided into closed and open, which, in turn, can be:

• spontaneous;
• traumatic;
• artificial.

Each of these may require first aid and we need to know how to do it correctly. But before you start learning the algorithm of its provision, remember – this is a particularly dangerous condition, so every move you make must be extremely careful.

Open pneumothorax is accompanied by a mass of symptoms that are difficult not to notice. First of all, there is a wound in the chest area. The skin becomes pale and takes on a slightly bluish hue. The victim has a pulse and is breathing, but it is all in a rapid rhythm. Foamy blood appears on the surface of the wound. Such a condition requires an immediate response.

Emergency treatment for an open pneumothorax

The first thing to do is to call an ambulance. Next, assess the situation and act according to it. In some cases, an ordinary bandage can help, only it must be tight and airtight. But special situations require more extensive knowledge of you.

If an open pneumothorax has appeared, the first aid should be to restore breathing as quickly as possible. This may require stopping the bleeding that is interfering with the flow of air. Only then can a bandage be applied and a somewhat elevated position created.

• It is very important that all manipulation be very careful, as the victim is in a lot of pain. Try not to make it worse.
• If there are no sterile means for making a bandage at hand, use improvised ones. Pull the patient over with clothing, just try to make sure that the cleanest place touches the wound.
• In some cases, the person may faint. In this case, you should give him a sniff of any product with a pungent, pungent odor. Severe pain can be relieved with painkillers.

In this condition, the victim may wait for an ambulance. He should be transported to the ward in a half sitting position. He will be taken to surgery, where the doctor will anesthetize the wound and stitch up the chest wall along with a lung resection. This will help restore respiratory function and the patient will soon be on the mend.

Remember, if you observe a pneumothorax, emergency care is necessary. A person’s life depends on it, because in such a condition he may simply not wait for the ambulance. Try to do everything that depends on you. Perhaps this will be the ticket to his new life.