Paramedic Understanding of Tension Pneumothorax and Needle Thoracostomy (NT) Site Selection

Introduction Tension pneumothorax is an immediate threat to life. Treatment in the prehospital setting is usually achieved by needle thoracostomy (NT). Prehospital personnel are taught to perform NT, frequently in the second intercostal space (ICS) at the mid-clavicular line (MCL). Previous literature has suggested that emergency physicians have difficulty identifying this anatomic location correctly. We hypothesized that paramedics would also have difficulty accurately identifying the proper location for NT. Methods A prospective, observational study was performed to assess paramedic ability to identify the location for treatment with NT. Participants were recruited during a statewide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) conference. Subjects were asked the anatomic site for NT and asked to mark the site on a shirtless male volunteer. The site was copied onto a transparent sheet lined up against predetermined points on the volunteer’s chest. It was then compared against the correct location that had been identified using palpation, measuring tape, and ultrasound. Results 29 paramedics participated, with 24 (83%) in practice for more than five years and 23 (79%) doing mostly or all 9-1-1 response. All subjects (100%) reported training in NT, although six (21%) had never performed a NT in the field. Nine paramedics (31%) recognized the second ICS at the MCL as the desired site for NT, with 12 (41%) specifying only the second ICS, 11 (38%) specifying second or third ICS, and six (21%) naming a different location (third, fourth, or fifth ICS). None (0%) of the 29 paramedics identified the exact second ICS MCL on the volunteer. Mean distance from the second ICS MCL was 1.37 cm (interquartile range (IQR): 0.7-1.90) in the medial-lateral direction and 2.43 cm in the superior-inferior direction (IQR: 1.10-3.70). Overall mean distance was 3.12 cm from the correct location (IQR: 1.90-4.50). Most commonly, the identified location was too inferior (93%). Allowing for a 2 cm radius from the correct position, eight (28%) approximated the correct placement. 25 (86%) were within a 5 cm radius. Conclusion In this study, paramedics had difficulty identifying the correct anatomic site for NT. EMS medical directors may need to rethink training or consider alternative techniques.