Red flags
- Tension pneumo, massive haemothorax (>1.5 L or >200 mL/h)
- Cardiac tamponade
- Flail chest with pulmonary contusion
- Aortic injury
First steps
- ABCDE + high-flow O₂
- Bilateral chest exam + FAST scan + eFAST
- Chest drain if pneumo/haemo
Key investigations
- CXR, eFAST, CT chest (with angio if aortic concern)
- ABG, troponin
Differentials
- Blunt cardiac injury
- Diaphragmatic rupture
Initial management
- Tension pneumo → needle decompression
- Massive haemothorax → 32-36 F chest drain, autotransfusion
- Aortic transection → cardiothoracic surgery/TEVAR
- Flail chest → analgesia + NIV, surgical fixation if severe
Referral
- Cardiothoracic surgery
AI clinical assessment
Enter patient details to generate evidence-based guidance.
This tool is for educational and clinical support only. It does not replace professional medical judgment or institutional protocols.
