We cover a podcast from HEFT EMcast  demonstrating that needle decompression at the 2nd intercostal space at the midclavicular line (2ICS MCL) is likely to fail.  They review a systematic review and meta-analysis by Laan et al in 2015 that suggests the fifth intercostal space at the anterior axillary line (5ICS AAL) is less likely to fail.

Then we delve into core content on pneumothoraces and empyemas using Tintinalli and Rosen's Emergency Medicine as a guide.

Thanks for listening,

Jeremy Faust and Lauren Westafer