Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

8 Muscle, Bone and Joint Injuries

First Aid for Flail Chest and/or Breastbone Injury • Provide first aid for broken ribs but do not sling the patient’s arm. • Holding a hand, a soft, thick, compressible dressing or a pillow over the injury may make breathing easier. • Be prepared to provide CPR if breathing becomes ineffective or ceases.

Signs and Symptoms Flail Chest

• Paradoxical chest movement • Painful breathing, shallow breathing • Guarding to minimize pain • Swelling or bruising • Complications for broken ribs

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