Tension pneumothorax
The young athlete Michal was with his friend riding freeride bikes. Michal overestimated his forces and had an accident in which he caused a tension pneumothorax. In this algorithm we will learn how to proceed in such a situation. In the first part we will give first aid in the role of Michal's friend. Then we put ourselfs into position of the EMS physician and show how this situation needs to be solved before the patient is taken to the hospital. Finally, as emergency doctors, we will continue to treat pneumothorax.
Review
Traumatic tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition. However, if properly recognized, it can be efficiently treated at the emergency department and in the pre-hospital clinical setting as well. This educational algorithm describes proper management of this emergency from the traumatic event to the in-hospital treatment on the basis of typical case report. It includes key decision-making moments and procedures following the current guidelines. Algorithm contains clear correct answers and incorrect answers represent the most common dilemmas and less appropriate solutions. It does not overwhelm with a lot of descriptive data but inspire to further more detailed learning. The video documentation is instructive and perfectly complements the written text. Congratulations to the authors on creating the perfect teaching tool.
