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High altitude penetrating chest trauma: a case report
Military Medicine
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Proper field care for penetrating chest trauma (PCT) at high altitude is crucial. This review introduces a new scale to improve PCT management for service members in mountainous environments.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Military Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Penetrating chest trauma (PCT) presents unique challenges in high-altitude environments.
- Field and dispensary care may have potential pitfalls in evaluating and treating PCT.
Observation:
- A case review highlighted issues in managing PCT at high altitude.
- Existing protocols may be insufficient for remote, high-altitude settings.
Findings:
- The Mountain Warfare Training Center Tension Pneumothorax Potential Scale is introduced.
- Discussion covers proper and improper field care, medical evacuation, stabilization, and disposition for PCT.
- Recommendations for primary care of PCT victims are provided.
Implications:
- Improved field management protocols for PCT in austere, high-altitude environments.
- Enhanced decision-making tools for medical personnel treating service members with PCT.
- Potential reduction in complications associated with PCT in military operations.