Life-threatening chest injuries can also result in respiratory distress. There are two types of chest injuries that can potentially be life threatening. Penetrating injuries, like those seen in gunshot wounds or shrapnel, or blunt trauma from blasts or vehicular accidents.

At this stage in MARCH, it’s time to roll the casualty to examine the front and back of the torso to check for chest trauma.

If you notice any holes, do not pack these chest wounds with a hemostatic or other dressing as highlighted earlier. Your role is to recognize that a casualty has a potentially life-threatening chest injury with respiratory distress and communicate those findings to responding medical personnel.