hemothorax

As emergency docs, anytime there is something in the chest cavity that should not be there, such as air, blood, or fluid, we often feel compelled to get it out. For many decades that barbaric task was done with a 40 French chest tube and some low-wall suction. But is that what is best for the patient? 

In this episode we review the "lethal 6" and "hidden 6" chest injuries that comprise the deadly dozen of thoracic trauma. Mechanism of injury together with vital signs and findings from the physical exam should provide us with the data needed to identify life-threatening thoracic injuries on our primary survey. For hidden injuries, the diagnostic adjuncts required to identify these injuries are also discussed.