Thoracic Emergencies

Course overview

The thorax, or chest, is the part of the human body between the neck and the diaphragm, partially encased by the ribs and containing the heart, lungs, and great vessels. Because the chest contains these vital organs, it is easy to see how chest injuries can interrupt airway, breathing, and circulation, and can quickly become life-threatening! Understanding the mechanism of injury and relevant signs and symptoms of thoracic injuries is of paramount importance to properly treat and deliver the traumatized patient to definitive care. This course highlights the signs, symptoms, and emergency care of the most common and more deadly traumatic injuries to the thorax.