After needle decompression for suspected tension pneumothorax, what is the next priority on scene?

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After relieving the immediate threat with needle decompression, the on-scene priority is rapid transport to definitive care while continuing to monitor and support the patient. Needle decompression temporarily relieves the life-threatening pressure, but definitive management is chest tube thoracostomy, which is performed in a hospital or advanced facility. Keep the patient on high-flow oxygen, reassess vital signs and breath sounds, and be prepared to manage any recurrence or deterioration during transport. Delaying transport for further observation or sampling does not address the need for definitive treatment and can jeopardize the patient.