How should a sucking chest wound be treated?

A sucking chest wound, also known as an open pneumothorax, occurs when air enters the pleural cavity through a wound in the chest wall during inhalation. This can lead to respiratory difficulty and can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

The correct approach involves sealing the wound to prevent further air from entering the pleural space, which is effectively done by applying an occlusive dressing. This type of dressing creates a airtight seal over the wound, allowing the chest to re-expand and preventing additional air from entering during respiration. Close monitoring for respiratory distress is critical, as symptoms may escalate quickly. This monitoring enables the medic to respond promptly if the patient's condition worsens, such as developing tension pneumothorax.

While other options may include helpful elements for different scenarios, they do not address the immediate and necessary step of sealing the wound to prevent worsening air entry. Thus, the application of an occlusive dressing, combined with vigilance in monitoring the patient's respiratory status, is the most effective treatment method for a sucking chest wound.