Critical skill building: Needle thoracostomy

Answering your questions about trauma codes, on-scene times and needle decompression


Trauma is the leading cause of death in the United States for those under age 45, and accounts for more than 150,000 deaths and over 3 million non-fatal injuries per year.

In this episode of the American Ambulance EMS Podcast, hosted by American Ambulance's Medical Director, Dr. Danielle Campagne, along with her UCSF-Fresno colleagues, Drs. Patil Armenian and Saajan Bhakta, the hosts discuss needle thoracostomy and why this is such a critical skill.

This episode answers trauma questions, including:

  • What happens if the patient codes in the setting of trauma?
  • What does the medic needs to do differently than in medical codes?
  • Why on-scene times matter in trauma codes?
  • What are the two sites for performing a needle decompression?
 

Listen to next: From TXA to REBOA: Advances in trauma care

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