Needle Decompression: Sites, Technique, and Step-by-Step Guide
Needle decompression (needle thoracostomy) is the emergency procedure that buys time in a tension pneumothorax โ releasing trapped pressure so blood can return to the heart. This guide covers when needle decompression is indicated, the equipment you need, the two recommended insertion sites and which one current evidence favors, a step-by-step technique, and how to…
