Closed chest injuries are typically caused by _______.

• A. Blunt trauma
• B. Flying debris
• C. Penetrating trauma
• D. High-velocity weapons

Answer: (A)

Closed chest injuries come from blunt trauma—the chest is struck or crushed without an object entering the chest or breaking the skin. This force damages structures inside the chest (like ribs, lungs, or heart) while the skin stays intact. Examples include falls, motor vehicle crashes, or crushing injuries where the energy is transmitted to the rib cage. In contrast, injuries from flying debris or high-velocity weapons involve an object penetrating the chest wall, creating an open chest wound, and are not what typically defines a closed chest injury.