Step 1 : Assessment

LOOK for:

Respiratory rate ( fast , normal, slow)
Increased work of breathing
Abnormal chest wall movements
SP02
Sucking chest wounds

LISTEN for:

Air entry ( present, absent normal or unequal)
Quality of breath sounds (wheezing or crepitations)
Percussion sound

Life threatening Conditions

PNEUMOTHORAX : reduced air entry, loud percussion
TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX: absent breath sounds, loud percussion, hypotension, distended neck veins or tracheal shift
HAEMOTHORAX / PLEURAL EFFUSION : dull percussion
ASTHMA : Wheezing
SUCKING CHEST WOUND : Open wound

Step 2: Management

i. Supplemental oxygen
Deliver supplemental oxygen for hypoxia using either Nasal Prongs, face mask or non-rebreather mask

ii. Bag- Valve -Mask ventillation
For patients with reduced or absent effort inn breathing, assist ventilation using a Bag- Valve -Mask with oxygen

iii. Asthma

For asthma, give nebulised salbutamol

iv. Anaphylaxis

For suspected anaphylaxis, administer IM Adrenaline

v. Tension pneumothorax

Give oxygen, perform Needle decompression, administer IV fluids