What Immediate First-Aid Measure Could Save a Life After a Chest Wall Injury?

[Slayer__4]

Homework Statement

Suppose a terrorist bomb has exploded next to a friend and injured him by opening two small openings in his chest wall: one on the left side, one on the right side (assume that no significant internal bleeding has occured). Can you suggest, and explain, the purpose of an immediate first-aid measure that might save your friend's life?

Homework Equations

none

The Attempt at a Solution

no clue

 

[berkeman]

Homework Statement

Suppose a terrorist bomb has exploded next to a friend and injured him by opening two small openings in his chest wall: one on the left side, one on the right side (assume that no significant internal bleeding has occured). Can you suggest, and explain, the purpose of an immediate first-aid measure that might save your friend's life?

Homework Equations

none

The Attempt at a Solution

no clue

Welcome to the PF. We cannot do your work for you (see the Rules link at the top of the page). What first aid training have you had so far? Do you know the acronym ABC? What do those stand for, and how could you apply them to this First Aid situation?

 

[Slayer__4]

Well, I understand that the answer should have something to do with keeping the airway clear and maintaning regular breathing, because the question states that there are no major internal bleeding problems. I just don't understand what you would have to do to help keep him breathing and all.

 

[berkeman]

Well, I understand that the answer should have something to do with keeping the airway clear and maintaning regular breathing, because the question states that there are no major internal bleeding problems. I just don't understand what you would have to do to help keep him breathing and all.

It would help to know what class this is for, and what level of first aid training is assumed. Like, is this a quiz question for a First Aid class, or a question for a high school biology or health class? A question for a Boy Scout merit badge test, etc.?

There is also an overly simplistic nature to the question, so it's not from an advanced test or class. Quiz Question -- why is saying that there is no major internal bleeding not consistent with the MOI (mechanism of injury)?

If this is for a simple health class in high school or similar, just go back to the ABCs in detail, and check them out in order (there's a reason they are in that order in the context of First Aid). Airway and breathing are just parts of the total ABC exam and treatment...

Also, related to the MOI, since there are small holes on each side of the body, what do you think caused them? Are they related? If so, how? And based on your answers to that, what do you think some of this person's biggest issues are going to be, and how would you treat them?

 

[Slayer__4]

It would help to know what class this is for, and what level of first aid training is assumed. Like, is this a quiz question for a First Aid class, or a question for a high school biology or health class? A question for a Boy Scout merit badge test, etc.?

There is also an overly simplistic nature to the question, so it's not from an advanced test or class. Quiz Question -- why is saying that there is no major internal bleeding not consistent with the MOI (mechanism of injury)?

If this is for a simple health class in high school or similar, just go back to the ABCs in detail, and check them out in order (there's a reason they are in that order in the context of First Aid). Airway and breathing are just parts of the total ABC exam and treatment...

Also, related to the MOI, since there are small holes on each side of the body, what do you think caused them? Are they related? If so, how? And based on your answers to that, what do you think some of this person's biggest issues are going to be, and how would you treat them?

Thanks for the help, I'm not sure how in depth he wants me to go but it's just for a high school biology class.