We report a rare case of penetrating cardiac injury. Management of the unique life-threatening condition is described. The successful outcome of treatment of this severe group of patients could be achieved by maintenance of the following fundamental principles: rapid transport of patients to the nearest hospital, maximum rapidity in establishment of the diagnosis and highly qualified urgent surgical intervention. Echocardiography is the most informative as well as quick method of noninvasive diagnostics of penetrating cardiac injuries. (C) 2017 The Czech Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Sp. z o. o. All rights reserved.