Chest or Abdomen

View The Full Pathway

GSWs to the chest, abdomen, and pelvis can encompass a large spectrum of injury. Initial evaluation is focused on addressing injuries that are immediate threats to life, such as tension pneumothorax, massive hemothorax, cardiac tamponade, and hemorrhage. These can be identified by performing a primary survey with adjunct imaging, such as E-FAST and x-rays of the chest and pelvis. Evaluation and management of thoracoabdominal GSWs will be discussed based on types of injury.