Patients in cardiac arrest with suspected tension pneumothorax caused by trauma (with torso involvement) to receive needle thoracentesis as
per clinical skill
Monitor patient persistently, recording full observations every 10 minutes (or 5 minutes if time critical)
Transport Priority 1 if patient time critical, pre-notifying receiving facility
Critical & Extended Care (CCP, PSO)
Arrested and non-arrested patients with signs of pulmonary barotrauma and are suspected of having tension pneumothorax should receive surgical decompression by finger thoracostomy as
per clinical skill
Additional Information
Open chest wounds:
Covering with an occlusive dressing taped on 3 sides only allow air to escape, but not enter the chest.
If signs of respiratory distress worsen (indicating tension pneumothorax) try removing the dressing from the wound. If this does not help, treat as an absolute emergency and transport Priority 1 to hospital, notify the hospital
en route.
Impaled objects:
Leave them in place and stabilise; seal around the base of the object with sterile dressings.
Closed injury:
Stabilise rib fractures with patient positioned towards injured side, in a position of comfort.
Stabilise a flail sternum with the flat of a gentle supporting hand.