What is typically the cause of a closed chest injury?

A closed chest injury is typically caused by blunt trauma. This type of injury occurs when a force impacts the chest wall but does not break the skin. Common examples include motor vehicle collisions, falls, or impacts from sports. The blunt force can result in internal damage to the organs, muscles, and bones within the chest cavity without any external wounds, making it distinct from penetrating injuries, which involve a break in the skin and penetration of objects.

Blunt trauma can lead to various complications, such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or rib fractures, depending on the severity and location of the impact. Understanding this mechanism helps responders in assessing injury and determining appropriate pre-hospital care and transport. In contrast, the other listed causes do not align with the mechanism of injury associated with closed chest trauma, as they involve either direct penetration of tissues (penetrating trauma), thermal injury (burns), or a different type of external stress (compression).