The problem of open and tension pneumothorax at the prehospital stage of emergency care and prospects for its solution

The purpose of the study is experimental testing of Russian medical devices for the elimination of tension and open pneumothorax.

Objectives of the research. Perform an analysis of the volume of therapeutic measures in the wounded and injured with open and tension pneumothorax. Conduct experimental testing of Russian samples to eliminate tension and open pneumothorax.

Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical histories of 232 patients with polytrauma admitted for treatment at the war surgery department of the Kirov Military Medical Academy in the period from 2015 to 2019. An experimental study was carried out on large biological objects (pigs) to evaluate the effectiveness of eliminating open and tension pneumothorax using products from the UD-02f (paramedic) kit.

Results. A retrospective analysis of the medical histories of 232 patients with polytrauma admitted for treatment at the clinic in the period from 2015 to 2019 was carried out. The incidence of tension pneumothorax was 11.6%. In 44.4% of cases, it was eliminated; in 55.6% of the ambulance teams, tension pneumothorax was not eliminated. Open pneumothorax was diagnosed in 21.1% of those admitted at the prehospital stage. In all cases, the elimination of open pneumothorax was carried out by applying an improvised sealing bandage to the chest. An experimental study of the effectiveness of the UD-02f set showed that the use of products included in this set allows to effectively eliminate the life-threatening consequences of wounds and chest injuries.

Conclusion. Open and tension pneumothorax are severe life-threatening consequences of chest injuries with a development rate of up to 12.1% and 11.6%, respectively. The inclusion of a set for eliminating tension and open pneumothorax disposable, sterile (paramedical) UD-02f, in the complete equipment and training of medical personnel in the procedure for its use, will allow timely and effective elimination of tension or open pneumothorax at the prehospital stage of emergency medical care. 

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