Tension Pneumothorax

🔑 Key Priorities

• Recognise rapid deterioration and unequal breath sounds

• Immediate needle decompression followed by definitive chest drain

---

🧠 Team Actions

Role	Task
Team Leader	Recognise pattern, direct decompression
Airway Manager	Provide 100% O₂ and assist ventilation
Assistant	Perform needle thoracostomy and prepare ICC

---

🧭 Management Algorithm

1. Sudden hypoxia, hypotension, unilateral breath sounds → suspect tension PTX

2. Immediate 100% O₂, call for help

3. Needle decompression: 2nd ICS midclavicular or 5th ICS anterior axillary

4. Insert large bore cannula

5. Prepare for intercostal catheter (ICC) placement

6. Reassess for resolution of signs

---

🔄 Ideal Crisis Flow

        Sudden Collapse with Unilateral Signs
                    ↓
           100% O₂ + Call for Help
                    ↓
      Needle Decompression + Prepare ICC
                    ↓
         Reassess + Insert Chest Drain