During a family reunion football game, your uncle sustains an injury to his right lateral thorax. What should you do next?

The most appropriate course of action in this scenario is to examine him for tenderness over the injured area. This step allows you to assess the severity of the injury, particularly whether there may be underlying injuries such as rib fractures, muscle strains, or even complications that could affect vital organs. Thorough examination can provide critical information about the nature of the injury, helping you decide on the necessary next steps.

Assessing tenderness, swelling, bruising, and any obvious deformity will help you gauge the problem's extent and helps in determining whether further medical attention is required. Understanding these details can provide a clearer picture of the situation and guide any decisions about treatment or transport to a medical facility.

In contrast, calling for a medevac helicopter suggests an immediate and severe emergency, which may not be justified without a clear understanding of the injury. Driving to a hospital four hours away without evaluating the injury might expose him to unnecessary risk if a less severe treatment is needed close by. Pressing on his sternum and spine simultaneously could potentially exacerbate any injury rather than provide useful information about his condition. Thus, a thorough examination addressing tenderness in the injured area is key to an effective response.