08/18/2025
Chest Decompression: Another great short from the folks at REBELEM.com
4-5 ICS ANTERIOR axillary line is preferred, less chest tissue.
I say use a 2nd gen catheter like the SPEAR or the Russell Pneumofix.
Docs recommend finger throacostomy. I still hold to my belief: most street EMS providers should not have finger thoracostomy. It is a skill that takes serious initial and continued (often) training. Most EMS systems are not set up to do that correctly.
https://rebelem.com/pneumothorax-decompression-in-emergency-medicine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pneumothorax-decompression-in-emergency-medicine
Learn practical, evidence-based strategies for pneumothorax decompression in the ED. This REBEL Core Cast episode covers ultrasound confirmation, limitations of needle decompression, and why finger thoracostomy is the preferred approach for tension pneumothorax.
