[Thoracic injuries in the field of aviation medicine].

In civil and war traumatology, 33% of deaths are due to chest traumas although this involves only 25% of cases. Examination of the physiopathy clinical medicine and treatment of the various traumatic lesions of the chest and their complications shows that rapid transfer of such patients to suitable places of treatment following adequate first aid is indispensable. The use of fully equipped aircraft is thus vital. Transport criteria are dictated by the environment, first aid resources, meterorological conditions, cruising altitude, available equipment [an automatic respirator and aspirator are essential], the training of staff, and the conditions of the patient. Above all, however, the situation is a function of the handling of the patient on the ground in relation to the facilities available on board the craft. It can be stated in conclusion that aircraft in traumatology are the best way of saving lives, not only when the patient's chest is damaged.