Think
- Tension pneumothorax: hypoxia, hypotension, high pressure, unilateral findings, obstructive shock.
- Auto-PEEP: obstructive disease, high RR, incomplete exhalation, hypotension that may improve with disconnection.
Rescue pathway
Hypotension: tension / auto-PEEP
Two pressure problems that can kill quickly.
Clinical review / use limits
Authored by: Airway of the Month education team. Last reviewed: July 2026. Audience: EM learners, faculty, EMS, RT, simulation educators, and airway teams.
This is an educational cognitive-aid scaffold, not a bedside order set. Verify medications, ventilator changes, pediatric dosing, and procedures against local ED, ICU, anesthesia, pharmacy, RT, EMS, and pediatric policies.
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