!Chest Wounds and Broken Ribs

When to suspect broken ribs
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Tenderness to the touch, or stabbing pain with breathing or coughing
after an injury to the chest, may be a broken rib. Feel along the rib
with your fingers. If there is a spot where it sticks up under the
skin, or where it dips in and is very tender, it is broken. If only
one rib is broken and it is not poking in or out of the body, give
pain medicine. The person should avoid lifting and hard work for a few
weeks. It will heal without any special treatment. Remind the person
to take deep breaths every few hours. This hurts, but keeps the lungs
working.

A fall or crushing injury (like a car or motorcycle crash) can break
many ribs at once.

Many broken ribs (flail chest)
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1. Tape a thick pad, or folded piece of clothing over the broken ribs.
2. Lay the person in whatever position best helps them breathe.
3. Watch for signs of shock and get help.

Deep chest wounds
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A gunshot, stab wound, explosion, or badly broken rib can cause air to
leak in and out of the lungs. This may cause lung collapse.

1. Immediately cover the opening with anything airtight, like a
   bandage covered in petroleum jelly or a folded plastic bag.
2. Tape only 3 sides so air can get out but not get in.
   a square bandage taped at the top and sides to a person's chest.
3. Lay the person in whatever position best helps them breathe. Get help.

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