a. All Open and/or Sucking chest wounds should be treated by immediately applying gloved hand over the wound/defect, followed by placement of a vented or non-vented occlusive seal to cover the defect.

b. Monitor /assess the MWD for development of tension pneumothorax and treat as necessary (see section d below).

c. Suspect a tension pneumothorax in the setting of known or suspected torso trauma or primary blast injury and one or more of the following:

 

Notes:

d. Initial treatment of suspected tension pneumothorax consider:

 

Note: Re-positioning the canine into lateral may allow air to redistribute, rise and accumulate to the highest point on the affected side.

e. When available, initiate pulse oximetry and monitor pulse oximetry in all MWDs suffering moderate to severe TBI. The presence of circulatory shock or marked hypothermia (< 95°F / 35°C) may adversely influence readings.

f. Consider administering oxygen supplementation when SpO2 < 94% on room/atmospheric and when available.

Notes: