Thoraxtrauma

Abstract

Chest trauma is common among victims of road traffic accidents. Blunt chest trauma is more common than penetrating injury. Early recognition, correct interpretation and promt diagnostic and therapeutic interventions have been shown to improve survival: A systematic approach by mobile medical teams at the site of the accident, at trauma units in the hospital, and in the intensive care unit is recommended, in accordance with the advanced trauma life support (ATLS) guidelines: Differential diagnostic algorithms are offered to manage shock and respiratory failure. Three case histories illustrate how clinical signs and symptoms should be interpretated and managed.