SAQ 272 – Trauma – penetrating chest injury and death management

Question 7. penetrating chest injury and death management.

a. Likely causes of deterioration

• Tension pneumothorax.
• Massive or tension haemothorax.
• Cardiac tamponade.
• Haemorrhagic hypovolaemia.
• Hypoxia from airway or lung injury.
• Cardiac laceration.
• Aortic or other major vascular injury.
• Gas embolism.

b. Actions after death

• Notify police.
• Notify and support next of kin.
• Notify the coroner.
• Leave lines and tubes in situ, follow coronial instructions, and do not issue a death certificate when inappropriate.
• Document the clinical course, resuscitation, and confirmation of death.
• Debrief and support staff involved.