What is the treatment for a sucking chest wound?

• A. Suture closure
• B. Wet dressing
• C. Fully occlusive dressing
• D. 3 sided occlusive dressing

Answer: (D)

A sucking chest wound is an open pneumothorax, so the treatment aims to seal the wound while preventing air from being sucked into the chest and also avoiding air trapping that could lead to tension pneumothorax. A three-sided occlusive dressing achieves this by creating a seal over the wound on three sides while leaving one edge open. That opening lets air escape during expiration, reducing the risk of a buildup of trapped air as the person breathes in, which helps prevent tension pneumothorax. In contrast, suturing the wound isn’t practical in the field, a wet dressing doesn’t provide a reliable seal, and a fully occlusive dressing could trap air and increase the chance of tension pneumothorax. After applying, monitor for changes in breathing and signs of deterioration, and treat per protocol if tension develops.