--- title: Dangerous Chest Tube Complications to Avoid During Transport description: Chest tubes are a critical factor in certain respiratory emergencies, so let’s review some of the dangerous chest tube complications you can avoid. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-118616122.png --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [Dangerous Chest Tube Complications to Avoid During Transport](https://blog.sscor.com/dangerous-chest-tube-complications-to-avoid-during-transport) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) May 30, 2024 8:00:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/dangerous-chest-tube-complications-to-avoid-during-transport#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/dangerous-chest-tube-complications-to-avoid-during-transport#) 0 ![Dangerous Chest Tube Complications to Avoid During Transport](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-118616122.png?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-118616122.png "Dangerous Chest Tube Complications to Avoid During Transport") Although the placement of chest tubes usually falls to physicians, many healthcare workers have had to care for patients with chest tubes in place, either in a hospital setting or during transport. Chest tubes are a [critical factor](https://publish.jblearning.com/index.php?mod=jbbrowse&act=book_details&id=1067) in certain [respiratory emergencies](https://blog.sscor.com/airway-physiology-a-brief-review), so let’s review the indications for placement and some of the dangerous complications you can avoid when caring for such patients.   ## **Fundamentals of Chest Tubes** Chest tubes are flexible plastic tubes that are inserted into the pleural space through a small incision made in the side of the chest. They are used to evacuate air, fluid, pus, or blood from the chest cavity. They are primarily inserted to treat traumatic injuries, most typically: - **Pneumothorax** – air escaping into the pleural space, either from a disruption in the lung tissue or from an opening in the chest wall, resulting in a collapsed lung - **Hemothorax** – bleeding into the pleural space, which prevents the lungs from inflating fully and can lead to collapse - **Hemopneumothorax** – a combination of the two conditions above Once the necessary equipment is assembled, a small incision is made on the affected side of the body, above the fifth rib at the midaxillary line. The tube is inserted into the pleural space and sutured in place. Air and fluid can then flow from the chest or be drawn out through the [application of suction.](https://www.sscor.com/) A radiograph of the chest is usually taken to ensure proper placement.   [![Guide: Portable Emergency Suction: A Critial Tool In Avoiding Aspiration Pneumonia](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b)   This simple life-saving procedure is highly effective in reestablishing the negative pressure within the chest and reinflating collapsed lungs. But there can be complications, especially during transport. They include:   - Accidental removal - Recurrent pneumothoraces - Broken collection chambers - Parenchymal injuries - Infection   ## **Protect Your Patient** You can prevent these complications by protecting the patient during inter- and intra-facility transports. A portable suction device will be needed for patient relocation if the chest tube is connected to suction. Before [transporting the patient](https://blog.sscor.com/three-best-practices-for-portable-suction-machine-maintenance) using a portable suction unit, a few things to check are:   - Be sure the batteries are charged. - Ensure the unit is clean and operational—[turn it on](https://blog.sscor.com/it-wont-turn-on-preventing-portable-suction-unit-failure) to test it! - Have extra batteries on hand for lengthy transports. Once your suction unit is ready, be sure the patient is, too. Here are a few reminders:   - Ensure that all connections are secure, either using tape or wire banding. - Make sure the bandage over the incision is securely taped and occlusive. - Mark the depth of the tube using a felt-tip marker and continually monitor during transport. - If a drainage unit is used, be sure to keep it below the level of the chest. (Always use an appropriate chest drain system. Chest tubes should never be attached directly to wall or portable suction.)   [![New: Ultimate Guide To Purchasing A Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678)   The chest drain system properly regulates the vacuum level, prevents backflow, and collects fluids. Always use an appropriate chest drain system. Chest tubes should never be attached directly to wall or portable suction. The chest drain system properly regulates vacuum level, prevents backflow, and collects fluids.   - Coil tubing to prevent kinks. - Document any output in the collection chamber, as well as the type of fluid. - [Do NOT clamp the tube for transport](https://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_index/Chest_drain_management/) because this will likely cause a tension pneumothorax. Although chest tubes can correct life-threatening injuries, they must be monitored carefully, especially during patient transport. Be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure your patient’s safety.   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in October 2021. It has been re-published with additional up-to-date content.*  Topics: [Suction for EMS professionals](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/suction-for-ems-professionals) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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