ABSTRACT
A. Indications Many prehospital systems have debated the utility and indications of needle thoracostomy and tube thoracostomy in the field. Indications (see Table 1) will vary based on many factors, including transport time, mode of transport, patient status, and individual prehospital personnel. Candidates for field needle thoracostomy include all patients who may be suffering from a tension pneumothorax. Both medical and trauma patients can deteriorate quickly into full arrest if a tension pneumothorax is not treated promptly.
