Question

A 14-year-old cyclist is struck by a car. He arrives in the emergency department with a tension pneumothorax. Which is the immediate life-saving intervention?

Accepted Answer

Immediate needle decompression in the 2nd intercostal space midclavicular line

Answer

High-flow oxygen and urgent chest X-ray

Answer

CT scan of the chest

Answer

Surgical chest drain at the 5th intercostal space mid-axillary line without needle decompression

Answer

Cricoid pressure

Practice question

A 14-year-old cyclist is struck by a car. He arrives in the emergency department with a tension pneumothorax. Which is the immediate life-saving intervention?