Accepted/relative indications
ANY Penetrating thoracic injury
-Traumatic arrest, with or without previously witnessed cardiac activity
-Unresponsive hypotension (BP < 70mmHg)
Blunt thoracic injury
-Unresponsive hypotension (BP < 70mmHg)
-Rapid exsanguination from placed chest tube (>1500ml)
-Traumatic arrest with previously witnessed cardiac activity (relative indication)
Contraindications
- Blunt thoracic injuries with no witnessed cardiac
activity
- Multiple blunt trauma
- Severe head injury