Deadly dozen - "scoop and run" or "stay and play" in thoracic trauma?

Abstract

The term "deadly dozen" has been known for years as a list of chest injuries that pose a potential threat to life. In pre-hospital conditions, each of twelve injuries should be considered, but making a decision to implement medical procedures before a patient transportat may be a challenge for emergency services. The authors point to six types of chest injuries for which there are possible benefits linked to transport delays, in order to perform the necessary actions to stop the dying process. Endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, chest puncture, oxygen therapy, and occlusive dressings are available in most pre-hospital care systems all over the world. Thanks to these measures, optimal patient protection during transfer to the hospital is possible in selected situations.

Keywords

• deadly dozen
• injury
• obstruction
• haemothorax
• tamponade
• emergency medicine