Do You Have Your Required First Aid & CPR Certification for Your Nursing Practicum?
If you're a nursing student preparing for your practicums, having your First Aid & CPR certification through the Heart & Stroke Foundation is a crucial prerequisite required by most universities. Ensure you’re prepared to respond in emergencies with the right skills, including wound care for penetrating and blunt chest injuries—a critical topic in emergency response.
Wound Care: Penetrating & Blunt Chest Injuries
Chest injuries are serious and can lead to life-threatening breathing emergencies. When an object punctures the rib cage, it can allow air or blood to enter the chest cavity, leading to conditions such as:
Pneumothorax – Air in the chest cavity that prevents lung expansion
Hemothorax – Blood in the chest cavity restricting lung function
Flail Chest – Multiple rib fractures causing instability in the chest wall
Common Causes of Chest Injuries
Falls onto blunt or sharp objects
Industrial accidents (sharp, blunt, or rotating machinery)
Violent altercations (knives, firearms)
Motor vehicle collisions
How to Recognize a Chest Injury
Difficulty breathing
Open chest wound with bubbling or sucking sounds
Severe chest pain at the injury site
Coughing up blood
Gasping or shortness of breath
Shock symptoms (pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid heartbeat)
Uneven chest movement during breathing (Flail Chest)
Bruising, grinding sounds, or deformity in the chest area
Emergency Response: What to Do
Check the Scene & Victim
Ensure safety before providing aid.
Assess the victim’s Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs).
Wear gloves if available to prevent exposure to bodily fluids.
If the object is still in place, do NOT remove it, unless it prevents the casualty from breathing.
Call 911 Immediately
Chest injuries can lead to fatal internal damage—always call for emergency assistance.
Spinal injuries may also be present due to the force of impact.
Provide Care for the Chest Injury
If the wound is open, apply a three-sided occlusive bandage to prevent air from entering but allow fluids to drain. (Available in many first aid kits.)
If Flail Chest is present, have the casualty hold a rolled-up towel against the injury to support the rib cage.
Conduct a secondary assessment to identify other injuries.
Continue monitoring until EMS arrives.
Why First Aid Training Matters for Nursing Students
Your nursing education prepares you for patient care, but First Aid & CPR certification ensures you can react quickly in real-life emergencies—whether in a hospital, clinical setting, or daily life. Be proactive in your education and meet your university's prerequisite today!
Register for Your Heart & Stroke First Aid & CPR Course Today!
✅ Gain Hands-on Training
✅ Meet University & Practicum Requirements
✅ Learn Life-Saving Emergency Response Skills
Don’t wait until the last minute—Get certified with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. and be prepared for your future career in healthcare!
This material is for informational purposes only, derived from resources provided by The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, training, or treatment. Consult your local physician or safety training facility for further guidance.
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor