Crush injury — Reference Guide

? Crush Injury

Crush injury is injury by an object that causes compression of the body. Crush injuries can range from bruises and broken bones to life-threatening damage. Always treat crush injuries as serious.

? Signs & Symptoms

  • ? Difficulty breathing / shortness of breath
  • ? Coughing up blood
  • ? Pain in the chest, especially when breathing in
  • ? Anxiety, restlessness, or shock
  • ? Bruising, swelling, or obvious deformity
  • ? Open wound in the chest (“sucking chest wound” with air bubbling in/out)
  • ? Rapid, weak pulse

? Treatment

? Call 999 immediately if you suspect a serious chest injury.

? While waiting for help:

  • Encourage the casualty to sit in a comfortable position (usually leaning forward or sitting upright helps breathing).
  • Control bleeding – apply gentle pressure around wounds (avoid pressing directly on penetrating objects).
  • Cover open chest wounds with a sterile dressing or plastic (taped on 3 sides only, to allow air to escape but not enter).
  • Leave any embedded objects in place – pad around them.
  • Monitor breathing and consciousness continuously.
  • Be ready to perform CPR if they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally.

? Do NOT

  • ❌ Do not give the casualty food or drink.
  • ❌ Do not try to remove objects stuck in the chest.
  • ❌ Do not let the casualty lie flat unless they collapse.

© 2025 First Aid For All | Skills for Life

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