Quote:
|
Originally Posted by swatsurgeon
Saca is correct...let me add one thing....tracheal deviation, low blood pressure are 'later' signs of tension PTX.
|
This is definately correct. We just finished up learning all flavors of PTX ( hemo, tension, closed, open ) in class.
Tracheal deviation is an extremely late sign that will indicate that the effected lung has shifted
at least 6 to 8 inches. If a medic simply waits to diagnose a TPTX by tracheal deviation, that pt. will most likely die if they are not decompressed immediately. Even JVD is a late sign, indicating a failing right side of the chest, producing excess fluid backup in the Vena Cava.
I do have a question about chest tubes though, seeing as though we dont do them in the civilian EMS field. I know that a needle decompression is in the 2nd intercostal, where would a chest tube be inserted? Is it more medial, in the 2nd?