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Nicholas

McManus, DO FAAEM

Chest Tube Management

0.5 HOUR  ●  0.5 CME  ●  PARAMEDIC
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This course is approved by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for 0.5 Airway Management continuing education credits for ONLY the Paramedic license level.

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COURSE CURRICULUM

Effective chest tube management during critical care and interfacility transport requires more than procedural familiarity — it demands a clear understanding of pleural physiology, drainage system function, and early recognition of complications that can rapidly become life-threatening. This course prepares EMS clinicians to safely monitor and manage patients with chest tubes by reviewing indications, chest drainage unit operation, suction versus water seal management, and ongoing patient assessment. Learners will develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting air leaks, monitoring output and intrathoracic pressure, maintaining tube patency, and responding to dislodgement or clinical deterioration, with an emphasis on safe transport practices and coordination with receiving facilities.

Nicholas's Lesson Plan

This chapter reviews pleural anatomy and the physiologic principles underlying chest tube function, including negative intrathoracic pressure and lung re-expansion. Emphasis is placed on understanding how air and fluid accumulation impair ventilation and how chest tubes restore normal mechanics.

Learners review the purpose and application of occlusive chest tube dressings to maintain an airtight system and prevent complications. The chapter focuses on dressing integrity, infection prevention, and early recognition of air leaks or tube dislodgement.

This chapter explains the components and function of chest drainage units, including collection chambers, water seals, and suction control systems. Clinicians learn to interpret tidaling, bubbling, and pressure changes to assess patient progress and system integrity.

Participants learn proper setup, positioning, and ongoing maintenance of chest tube systems during transport. Emphasis is placed on preventing kinks, dependent loops, air leaks, and accidental disconnection while ensuring safe and effective drainage.

Nicholas's Lessons
Chest Tube Physiology
Chest Tube Dressings
Chest Drainage Unit
Setup and Maintenance
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Nicholas McManus, DO FAAEM

Dr. McManus is a practicing emergency physician with board certification from the American Board of Emergency Medicine. 

Prior to becoming a physician, Dr. McManus started his career in EMS and tactical medicine where he served as a medic in the Iraq war. He currently serves as the Medical Director for the Muskegon County Medical Control Authority. He is an active clinical faculty member with Michigan State University and the West Michigan Emergency Medicine Residency. 

In 2022, he joined Platinum Educational Group as Medical Director. He has a passion for the advancement of prehospital medical education and evidence-based practice and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Emergency Medicine.