Can you die from a collapsed lung?

Tension pneumothorax: You can die from collapsed lung, as it progresses quickly to a tension pneumothorax. Eventually, the pressure will collapse your other lung and vessels. Untreated, death will occur. First responders, emt and trauma providers are trained to recognize and release the pressure associated with a collapsed lung, to prevent tension pneumothorax.

Yes: If the pneumothorax creates enough pressure, it can compress the heart. This can result in pressure on the right side, where blood returns to the heart. This decreases the blood return to the heart. Without adequate blood return, your heart does not have enough blood to pump out to your body. Emts will release the pressure or "tension".