Decompression needle is a medical tool used in emergency situations, particularly for conditions like tension pneumothorax. In such cases, air builds up in the pleural space, putting pressure on the lungs and heart.
The needle allows healthcare providers to relieve this pressure quickly by puncturing the pleural cavity and allowing trapped air to escape. It's typically inserted into the second intercostal space at the midclavicular line, using sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection.