X-ray
How do you treat a pneumothorax?
A tension pneumothorax requires recognition and rapid decompression. Even if all you perform is a needle thoracostomy (e.g. 14G intravenous cannula) inserted in the 2nd intercostal space in the midclavicular line you will save a life as you gain valuable time, before a larger underwater drain can be inserted.
An ET tube in position is a little high. There are bilateral pneumothoraces. On the right side there is a tension pneumothorax with depression of the diaphragm and mediastinal shift towards the left. The right lung appears almost completely collapsed. On the left side the pneumothorax is subpulmonic. The left lung is hypoinflated and compressed.