If a victim has a sucking chest wound, what should you do to help them breathe?

In the case of a sucking chest wound, the primary concern is to prevent air from entering the chest cavity. The correct action is to seal the wound on three sides, allowing air to escape but not enter. This technique creates a one-way valve effect, which can help stabilize the chest pressure and allow the injured person to breathe more effectively until advanced medical help can be administered.

Sealing the wound on three sides also helps to reduce the risk of tension pneumothorax, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if air becomes trapped in the chest cavity. In contrast, options that suggest starting CPR, stuffing the wound with gauze, or merely applying a pressure bandage do not effectively address the unique dynamics of a sucking chest wound. They may fail to prevent air from rushing into the wound, ultimately worsening the victim's condition.