Guide to Needle Decompression and Thoracostomy: A Critical Examination of Procedures, Applications, and Training Tools
Introduction: Needle decompression and thoracostomy are lifesaving emergency procedures performed to alleviate tension pneumothorax, one of the leading causes of preventable death in pre-hospital trauma care and on the battlefield. This guide dives deep into the understanding, performance, and mastery of these interventions, covering everything from the choice of decompression site, the progression from needle […]
An Overview of Cricothyrotomies: Mastering this Lifesaving Procedure in Battlefield and Pre-Hospital Settings

1. Introduction to Cricothyrotomies: What, When, and Why? Cricothyrotomy, also known as a “cric,” is a surgical procedure designed to establish an emergency airway when standard methods like intubation aren’t possible or have failed. The procedure requires an incision through the skin and cricothyroid membrane to secure an airway, a vital life-saving skill for emergency […]