π©Ή Chest Seals: When, Why, and How to Use Them in the Field
In trauma care β especially in tactical or remote settings β few tools are as mission-critical as a chest seal.
When properly applied, a chest seal can save a life in the precious minutes before evacuation.
But like all tools, it requires understanding, not just possession.
π» What Is a Chest Seal?
A chest seal is an occlusive dressing designed to cover open chest wounds β most commonly from penetrating trauma (gunshots, stabs, shrapnel). It prevents air from being drawn into the chest cavity through the wound, a condition that can lead to a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or worse β tension pneumothorax, which is rapidly fatal if untreated.
π» When to Use a Chest Seal
Apply a chest seal immediately when you identify:
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Penetrating trauma to the chest, back, or axilla (armpit)
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A wound with sucking sounds or bubbling blood
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Difficulty breathing or signs of respiratory distress after thoracic trauma
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You suspect a sucking chest wound and evacuation is not immediate
β οΈ Always assess for both entry and exit wounds β many gunshots go clean through.
Use 2 chest seals (one front, one back) if needed.
π» Contraindications / When NOT to Use
While rare, there are times when chest seals may cause more harm than good β especially without proper monitoring.
π« Blunt trauma with no open wound β chest seals wonβt help
π« Late-stage tension pneumothorax β unless you're trained to decompress, sealing may worsen pressure
π« Trapped air that can't escape β non-vented seals can worsen the condition in rare cases
β This is why vented chest seals, like Hyfin Vents, are the preferred standard: they allow air to escape but not re-enter.
π» Potential Complications
Like any tool used under pressure, chest seals carry risks:
πΈ Progression to tension pneumothorax if air cannot escape
πΈ Seal failure due to sweat, blood, or poor adhesion
πΈ Infection if left on too long without proper evac
π Solution: Train often. Apply fast. Monitor constantly.
π» Aftercare and Monitoring
Once the chest seal is applied:
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Monitor breathing β shallow, rapid breaths may signal trouble
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Watch for signs of tension pneumo:
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Worsening shortness of breath
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Tracheal deviation (advanced sign)
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Jugular vein distension
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Decreased breath sounds on one side
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Reassess frequently β especially if evac is delayed
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Burp the seal if needed (if pressure builds and youβre not using a vented seal)
If signs of tension pneumothorax appear and you're trained:
π Perform a needle decompression at the second intercostal space (midclavicular line) or the fifth intercostal space (anterior axillary line).
π» Chest Seals in Tier1Tactical IFAKs
Every Tier1Tactical IFAK includes Hyfin Chest Seals for a reason:
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Vented, twin-pack (entry + exit)
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Compact, flat-pack design
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Battlefield-proven reliability
These arenβt gimmicks. Theyβre what you want when minutes matter.
π» Bottom Line
You donβt need to be a medic to save a life.
You just need the right tools, the right training, and the mindset to act.
A chest seal is one of the core 3 of trauma:
π©Έ Tourniquet
π©Ή Hemostatic agent
π‘οΈ Chest seal
π Available Now:
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In our Tier1Tactical IFAKs
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Individually in the Field Medical section