Check for an exit wound.

Look for a pool of blood under the casualty’s back.

Carefully palpate and visually examine the casualty’s chest, back, and axillary (armpits) for other open chest wounds. Remove clothing, as needed, to expose other wounds if you are not in a chemical environment.

If there is more than one open chest wound, treat the most serious (largest or heaviest bleeding) wound first. Then seal and dress the other open chest wounds.

Any wound from the chin to the umbilicus (navel) has the potential to enter the chest cavity and requires the use of an occlusive dressing.