Long Beach Lifeguard EMR Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

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What is the purpose of taping an occlusive dressing on three sides over a penetrating chest wound?

To seal the wound completely to prevent air movement.

To prevent air from escaping entirely.

To keep the wound moist for faster healing.

To allow air to escape and prevent tension pneumothorax.

A penetrating chest wound can lead to air leaking into the pleural space, and the dressing placed three-sided creates a one-way vent. By sealing three sides, it minimizes air entering the chest, while leaving a vented edge that allows air to escape as intrathoracic pressure rises. This prevents air from accumulating and causing a tension pneumothorax, which could compress the lung and shift the mediastinum. Sealing the wound completely would trap air inside, increasing pressure; trying to keep air from escaping entirely would also trap air. Keeping the wound moist isn’t the priority in this emergency, where preventing life-threatening pressure buildup is key.