The Life/form® Pericardiocentesis Simulator has been designed to teach the skills one needs to properly perform this difficult procedure. Also, ongoing chest tube maintenance and the management of pre-hospital chest trauma skills can be mastered with this simulator. Features inlcude a pressurized tension pneumothorax site, as well as a site for the surgical placement of a functional chest tube. Fluid volume, color, and viscosity can be controlled by the instructor. The simulator may be used with any commercially available closed water seal drainage unit. Pericardiocentesis may be performed in the left subxiphoid space and in the left fifth intercoastal space. Accurate placement of the needle will allow for the withdrawal of fluid from the simulated pericardium.