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Journal of Combat Medicine 10.30491/JCM.2021.150594
2021 | 4(1) | 76 Case Report

Management of Chest Trauma Caused by Gunshot Wounds and
Lessons Learned

Hamidreza Javadzade , Mohammad Javad Behzadnia 1*
1
1 Trauma Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Received: 27 May 2021 Accepted: 16 August 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Chest injuries account for nearly a quarter of all deaths from trauma - after head and neck injuries.
Although rapid and immediate interventions at the scene of the accident are generally necessary, the importance
of time at the scene of the accident should always be considered as one of the priorities in transferring the injured
to higher hospital levels. Generally, pre-hospital management and transfer in the case of war victims may be
somewhat different from urban injuries, because the type and severity of injuries are different and significant.
Case Report: A 34-year-old combatant was shot following his activities in the war zone and was taken to the field
hospital within half an hour after the injury. He had been shot in the left side of the body, which penetrated the
right side of the chest. At the time of his visit, the victim was conscious and speaking, complaining of abdominal
pain and shortness of breath.
Results: Since many cases of pneumothorax have a traumatic origin, special attention is needed in the diagnosis of
simple or tension pneumothorax; especially in the manner of chest injuries. This may be done in an urban trauma
with a more regular assessment than in combat situations. However, bullet-induced chest trauma is much more
difficult and therefore more important in a crowded, stressful, and life-threatening condition on the battlefield.
Conclusion: Damage prevention is always considered the first step. The use of personal protection equipment
(PPE) such as bulletproof vests could be somewhat preventive. In case of chest injuries, special chest wound
dressing adhesives and especially asherman chest seals could be useful.

Keywords: Trauma, Chest, Pneumothorax, Chest Tube, Abdominal Injury.

___________________________________________
* Corresponding Author: Mohammad Javad Behzadnia
Address: Trauma Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
E-mail: [email protected]

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