Help.. treatment for flail chest....

[ErinCooley]

dressing or no?

 

[LucidResq]

Hmmm... not sure exactly what you're asking but I've been taught to tape down some sort of bulky dressing or blanket over the flail segment.

 

[Grady_emt]

per PHTLS sixth edition, bulky dressing

 

[ErinCooley]

Thats what I thought but I swear I remember hearing that it had recently "changed"

I was being quizzed y'day for my NREMT practicals next Saturday and that was the scenario. I kind of lost it on that part!!!

 

[certguy]

If that's changed , how are you supposed to stabilize the flail segment ????

 

[Ops Paramedic]

I am not aware of the any changes wtih regards to the dressing or splinting of a flail chest or segment. What makes it more challenging is that you can't stabilise the dressing/splint using a circumferential bandage (as used on a limb). We use a 1000ml or 200ml vaculitre as a splint for the flail section and tape it down with some form of adhesive tape.

 

[mdtaylor]

dressing or no?

Bulky dressing, and PPV if the patient will tolerate it while conscious.