In tension pneumothorax, the air becomes trapped between your lungs and the wall of your chest. That can occur if you injure your lung, perhaps in an accident or as a result of a medical treatment. When that air accumulates, it presses on your lung and can cause it to collapse.
Why do we have to act fast if somebody has tension pneumothorax? Because if you don’t act quickly, it can also be life-threatening! The pressure of the air can make the lung stop working the right way, and that means the body does not get enough oxygen. This can cause a lot of problems and even become life-threatening. That's why it's crucial to recognize the signs and act immediately!
Needle decompression is one option for assisting a person with tension pneumothorax. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to release trapped air and ease the pressure on the lung. This might sounds a little scary, but it can be used to save someone’s life in an emergency!
In rare circumstances, you may be called upon to perform one, so if you do, remember this: If someone requires a needle decompression, here’s what you should do:
Locate the correct area: The needle is inserted between the second rib on the affected side. To locate the rib spaces, the collarbone is counted down.
Since you know how needle decompression can help, it’s time to know the signs of tension pneumothorax, and when and how to help. If you watch someone start to have trouble breathing, complain of chest pain or act dizzy, don’t wait. Get help quickly!
EN
FR
DE
IT
JA
KO
RU
ES
AR
BG
HR
DA
NL
FI
EL
NO
PL
PT
RO
SV
TL
ID
SR
UK
VI
SQ
TH
TR
AF
MS
CY
IS
HY
AZ
KA
MN
MY
KK
UZ
CS
