What is a sucking chest wound?

If the injury penetrates the rib cage, air can pass freely in and out of the chest cavity and the person cannot breathe effectively. With each breath the person takes, you will hear a sucking sound coming from the wound. This sound is the primary sign of a penetrating chest injury called a sucking chest wound.



Without proper care, the person’s condition will worsen. The affected lung or lungs will fail to function, and breathing will become more difficult.