Victims with open chest wounds gasp for breath, have difficulty breathing out, and may have a bluish skin color to their face. Frothy-looking blood may bubble from the wound during breathing.

The proper treatment for a sucking chest wound is as follows:

1. Immediately seal the wound with a hand or any airtight material available (e.g., ID card). The material must be large enough so that it cannot be sucked into the wound when the victim breathes in.

2. Firmly tape the material in place with strips of adhesive tape and secure it with a pressure dressing. It is important that the dressing is airtight. If it is not, it will not relieve the victim's breathing problems. The object of the dressing is to keep air from going in through the wound.

NOTE: If the victim's condition suddenly deteriorates when you apply the seal, remove it immediately.

3. Give the victim oxygen if it is available and you know how to use it.

4. Place the victim in a Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position. This makes breathing a little easier. During combat, lay the victim on a stretcher on the affected side.

5. Watch the victim closely for signs of shock, and treat accordingly.

6. Do not give victims with chest injuries anything to drink.

7. Transport the victim to a medical treatment facility immediately.

Abdominal Wounds
A deep wound in the abdomen is likely to constitute a major emergency since there are many vital organs in this area. Abdominal wounds usually cause intense pain, nausea and vomiting, spasm of the abdominal muscles, and severe shock. Immediate surgical treatment is almost always required; therefore, the victim must receive medical attention at once, or the chances of survival will be poor. Give only the most essential first aid treatment, and concentrate your efforts on getting the victim to a medical treatment facility. The following first aid procedures may be of help to a person suffering from an abdominal wound:

Keep the victim in a supine position. If the intestine is protruding or exposed, the victim may be more comfortable with the knees drawn up. Place a coat, pillow, or some other bulky cloth material under the knees to help maintain this position. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUSH THE INTESTINES BACK IN OR TO MANIPULATE THEM IN ANY WAY!

If bleeding is severe, try to stop it by applying direct pressure.
If the intestines are not exposed, cover the wound with a dry sterile dressing. If the intestines are exposed, apply a sterile compress moistened with sterile water. If no sterile water is available, clean sea water or any water that is fit to drink may be used to moisten the compress. Figure 4-30 shows an abdominal wound with the intestine protruding. Figure 4-31 shows the application of compresses large enough to cover the wound and the surrounding area. The compress should be held in place by a bandage. Fasten the bandage firmly so that the compress will not slip around, but do not apply any more pressure than is necessary to hold the compress in position. Large battle dressings are ideal.

Treat for shock, but do not waste any time doing it. The victim must be transported to a hospital at the earliest possible opportunity. However, you can minimize the severity of shock by making sure that the victim is comfortably warm and kept in the supine position. DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING TO DRINK. If the victim is

Figure 4-31.-Applying compresses to a protruding abdominal wound.

Figure 4-30.-Protruding abdominal wounds.

thirsty, moisten the mouth with a small amount of water, but do not allow any liquid to be swallowed.

Upon the direction of a medical officer, start an intravenous line.