AIEM
Pop, Drop & Drain: The Art of Intercostal Drain Insertion
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Short course
Course type
5 hrs
Study time
Online
Mode of learning
5 CPD points
5 Clinical
(70% average required)
(70% average required)
Course overview
Intercostal drain (ICD) insertion is a life-saving procedure frequently performed in trauma and emergency care, but often under pressure, in unstable patients, and by clinicians with varying levels of experience. Pop, Drop & Drain is a comprehensive, self-paced online course designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge, technical skills, and clinical judgement required to confidently and safely perform intercostal drain insertions in high-stakes environments.
This evidence-based course combines core anatomy, procedural technique, clinical reasoning, and complication management into a concise and practical learning experience. Special emphasis is placed on real-world challenges encountered in resource-limited settings, including improvisation techniques and context-specific guidance tailored to the South African and broader African emergency care context.
From identifying appropriate indications (e.g., pneumothorax, haemothorax, empyema) and understanding thoracic surface anatomy, to performing blunt dissection, securing the drain with the Modified Johannesburg Suture Technique, and recognising red flags post-insertion, this course provides a complete learning journey from decision to documentation.
Key features include:
Ideal for emergency physicians, advanced paramedics, trauma-trained nurses, clinical associates, and junior medical officers, this course ensures you are not only ready to act—but ready to act correctly.
This evidence-based course combines core anatomy, procedural technique, clinical reasoning, and complication management into a concise and practical learning experience. Special emphasis is placed on real-world challenges encountered in resource-limited settings, including improvisation techniques and context-specific guidance tailored to the South African and broader African emergency care context.
From identifying appropriate indications (e.g., pneumothorax, haemothorax, empyema) and understanding thoracic surface anatomy, to performing blunt dissection, securing the drain with the Modified Johannesburg Suture Technique, and recognising red flags post-insertion, this course provides a complete learning journey from decision to documentation.
Key features include:
- Step-by-step procedural video demonstrations
- Clinical cases and troubleshooting scenarios
- Post-insertion care and imaging confirmation
- Special considerations for paediatrics, pregnancy, and tension pneumothorax
- Approaches for intercostal drain placement in austere or resource-limited environments
- Downloadable checklists and templates for real-world application
Ideal for emergency physicians, advanced paramedics, trauma-trained nurses, clinical associates, and junior medical officers, this course ensures you are not only ready to act—but ready to act correctly.
Who is this course for?
South African Emergency physicians, Advanced paramedics, Trauma-trained nurses, Clinical associates, and Junior medical officers
Required qualification
Any professional medical qualification
Course level
Beginner to Intermediate
Develop your professional skills
Why choose this course?
- Learn a life-saving emergency procedure: Gain the skills to confidently perform intercostal drain insertions in critical situations.
- Train for real-world, high-pressure environments: Prepare for emergency and trauma scenarios where rapid, accurate action is essential.
- Develop both skill and clinical judgement: Understand not just how to perform the procedure, but when and why it’s needed.
- Follow a clear, step-by-step approach: From anatomy and indications to insertion, securing, and post-procedure care.
- Recognise and manage complications: Identify red flags early and respond effectively to improve patient safety.
- Adapt to resource-limited settings: Learn practical, context-specific techniques for austere environments.
- Access practical tools for clinical use: Use videos, case scenarios, and downloadable checklists to support real-world application.
About the academic institution
AIEM is your one-stop shop for comprehensive and CPD-accredited emergency medicine and health and safety training on the African continent. As an AHA Authorised Training Centre, an ITLS Southern Africa Accredited Training Centre, an INTRA Licensed Health and Safety Training Provider, and SAIOSH Corporate Member, we offer a wide range of internationally sourced and custom-designed courses to meet the expanding needs of the industry.
With our commitment to excellence and the support of industry leaders such as First Care Solutions (Pty) Ltd, and ER Consulting Inc., AIEM is well-positioned to provide the highest level of service to those looking for best-in-class training.
With our commitment to excellence and the support of industry leaders such as First Care Solutions (Pty) Ltd, and ER Consulting Inc., AIEM is well-positioned to provide the highest level of service to those looking for best-in-class training.
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Student testimonials
This is the best learning platform I found so far. I was pleasantly surprised with the possibilities.
This is the best learning platform I found so far. I was pleasantly surprised with the possibilities.
This is the best learning platform I found so far. I was pleasantly surprised with the possibilities.
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