Pneumothorax and needle size

[firemedic37]

My service currently has a mixed variety of needs to use for Tension Pneumothoraxs. We have the standard 14 - 18 G IV Angiocaths and ARS for Neddle Decompression. The ARS is a commercially made needle designed for Tension Pneumothoraxs and are a 14 G X 3.25 in. Here is the link: http://www.narescue.com/ARS_for_Needle_Decompression_(3.25_in.)-CN1ACDE14CD3FD.html

I recently had a call that I had to Needle Decompress a 11 y/o that was involved in a 10-50PI (Motor Vehicle Collision with Personal Injuries)with entrapment. I used a regular 18 G IV Angiocath since it is what I had readily available to me and the pt was crashing. And it worked very well. I had no problems with it and it resolved the Tension Pneumothorax very quickly. This was also the call where we had three patients that needed to be flown but we only had one helicopter, one ALS and one BLS ground unit with extended transport times to the nearest hospital which was a Level III Trauma Center.

[firemedic37]

It posted my comment twice. Sorry.

Edited September 11, 2010 by firemedic37

[JMedSim]

This is exactly the info I need. Thanks everyone!

[FormerEMSLT297]

Well.. which is it? 3.25 or 3 1/4?

Man I need some calls.

WELL it is at least 3" long,,, that i am sure of.... i'm not at work and cant tear apart my kit.... BFN... that is all