Citation

Buschmann CT, Kleber C. Notfall Rettungsmed. 2014; 17(5): 427-431.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10049-014-1891-2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Decompression of tension pneumothorax and mechanical stabilization of unstable pelvic fractures are simple and potentially life-saving measures. However, these measures are currently not carried out regularly in the emergency medical care of severely injured patients. Although bilateral chest decompression is recommended prior to termination of traumatic resuscitation efforts, this technique has only sporadically found its way into the treatment of traumatic cardiocirculatory arrest. We report on a 66-year-old female cyclist who was run over by a wheel loader. She sustained polytrauma with tension hemopneumothorax and died at the scene. On forensic examination at the accident site, massive subcutaneous tissue emphysema - in the absence of apparent severe injuries - after 30-min unsuccessful resuscitation attempts and an unstable pelvic ring were determined. Autopsy confirmed death by polytrauma with tension hemopneumothorax and severe internal injuries. The possibility of decompression of the pleural cavity by chest drains, mini-thoracotomy, or thoracic puncture pressure relief before terminating traumatic resuscitation efforts should be included in the management regime for severe trauma patients.

Language: de