While downhill skiing, Jerry lost control and appeared to hit a tree, chest first. The ski patrol that is also certified in EMT reported that Jerry was found with his head cocked at a peculiar angle...

While downhill skiing, Jerry lost control and appeared to hit a tree, chest first. The ski patrol that is also certified in EMT reported that Jerry was found with his head cocked at a peculiar angle and it looked like he had a fracture at the position of the C₂ vertebra. During triage, Jerry appeared cyanotic and apneic. His heart was still beating, but his pulse was fast and thready.

Jerry was artificially ventilated and survives the transport to the hospital. Upon admission, the following notes were taken by the trauma team nurse.

• Right thorax compressed with ribs 7 to 9 fractured


• Right lung pneumothorax; trachea deviation to the left

d) Why hasn't the left lung collapse?

e) The physician inserts a chest tube into the right intrapleural cavity which provides suction. Explain how this procedure might alleviate the pneumothorax?