Chest and abdominal trauma can rapidly become life-threatening, even when injuries aren’t immediately obvious. In this episode, we break down blunt and penetrating trauma affecting the thoracic and abdominal cavities, focusing on injuries that can compromise breathing, circulation, and major organ function.

We discuss pneumothorax, hemothorax, flail chest, internal bleeding, and solid organ injuries, along with how mechanisms of injury help guide suspicion for hidden complications. Understanding how the lungs, heart, diaphragm, liver, spleen, and major blood vessels can be affected allows EMTs to recognize critical findings early and prioritize rapid transport.

Trauma assessment is about pattern recognition, reassessment, and knowing when something doesn’t look right — even if vital signs haven’t changed yet.

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