Emergent needle thoracostomy in prehospital trauma patients: a review of procedural execution through computed tomography scans

BACKGROUND: Traumatic tension pneumothoraces (TPT) are among the most serious causes of death in traumatic injuries, requiring immediate treatment with a needle thoracostomy (NT). Improperly placed NT insertion into the pleural cavity may fail to treat a life-threatening TPT. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of prehospital NT placements by paramedics in adult trauma patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 84 consecutive trauma patients who had received NT by prehospital personnel. The primary outcome was the accuracy of NT placement by prehospital personnel. Comparisons of various variables were conducted between those who survived and those who died, and proper versus improper needle insertion separately. RESULTS: Proper NT placement into the pleural cavity was noted in 27.4% of adult trauma patients. In addition, more than 19% of the procedures performed by the prehospital providers appeared to have not been medically indicated. DISCUSSION: Long-term strategies may be needed to improve the capabilities and performance of prehospital providers’ capabilities in this delicate life-saving procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.