What should you do if a responsive person has a chest stab wound with bubbling around it?

A responsive person with a chest stab wound exhibiting bubbling indicates the possibility of a pneumothorax, where air is escaping into the pleural cavity. In such cases, leaving the chest wound exposed is the most appropriate initial response. This approach allows trapped air to escape, preventing further complications like tension pneumothorax, which can occur if the wound is sealed while air is still escaping.

Covering the wound might cause a buildup of air under the skin or within the chest cavity if the injury is allowing air in, potentially leading to serious complications. Similarly, applying pressure or tightly wrapping the wound could also restrict airflow and exacerbate the condition. Hence, the best practice in this scenario is to avoid sealing the wound, allowing the body to manage the air escape naturally while preparing for medical assistance to address the injury properly.