What is a recommended action for a victim of pneumothorax before medical help arrives?

Keeping calm and minimizing movement is crucial for a victim of pneumothorax because it helps to prevent further complications. Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, which can lead to lung collapse. Excessive movement or physical exertion can exacerbate the condition by increasing air pressure in the chest and making it harder for the lungs to expand.

By encouraging the victim to stay calm and limit their movement, you can help reduce stress on their respiratory system and potentially prevent further injury. This approach allows for better oxygenation of the remaining lung function and creates a more stable situation while awaiting professional medical assistance.

In contrast, deep breathing could increase the pressure in the thoracic cavity and worsen the condition, controlled swims or additional oxygen without professional guidance are not advisable in this emergency scenario, as they could lead to further complications.