Final answer:
To assist a GSW patient with thoracic injuries who is SOB, maintain an open airway, provide oxygen, and in cases of pneumothorax, perform emergency procedures like chest tube insertion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient with a gunshot wound (GSW) to the thoracic cavity becomes increasingly short of breath (SOB), it is crucial to assist them promptly to restore and maintain adequate ventilation. The thoracic wall compliance significantly impacts the ability to breathe; thus, if noncompliant, it impedes the expansion of the thorax and lungs. To aid the patient, ensure they have an open airway. This may involve techniques from suction to remove obstructions to more advanced interventions like providing supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation if necessary. In cases where a puncture to the thoracic cavity occurs, causing a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), emergency procedures such as the administration of a chest tube may be required to re-expand the lung and allow proper ventilation.
In summary, attending to the open airway, monitoring for signs of respiratory distress, immediate control of the airway, and stabilization of the thoracic injuries are paramount in the acute management of GSW patients with thoracic injuries. It is always best to refer to hospital protocols and the guidance of emergency medicine professionals when providing care to these patients.