In the field, a chest seal kit is one of the most critical tools you can have for treating chest gunshot wounds. Applying a chest seal quickly and correctly can prevent air from entering the chest and help avoid a life-threatening Tension Pneumothorax.
What is Tension Pneumothorax ?
When there is an open wound on the chest, the air enters into the chest, if that air keeps building up and there's nowhere for it to escape, it starts pushing everything inside the chest out of place, including the lung and the heart. This situation is called Tension Pneumothorax which can lead to death.
Why do we use Chest Seal Kits?
The main goal of the chest seal kit is to seal the wound and stop air from entering the chest.
By applying a chest seal, you’re essentially keeping air from entering if you’re using a vented chest seal.
How Does Chest Seal Kit work ?
Let's talk with 2 kinds of chest seals. Vented and non-vented Chest Seals.
Vented Chest Seals: Vented chest seals have vent channels or valve to stop the air entering in and allow the air and blood escape through vent channels.
Non-Vented Chest Seal: Simply cover the wound to seal the air from entering, but it doesn't allow air to escape.
How to Apply A chest seal?
Wipe away blood with wipes. This helps the seal stick better.
Place the chest seal directly over the wound, make sure it's centered and covers the entire injury.
Check for Additional Wounds. Especially in gunshot wounds, check for an exit wound. Apply a second chest seal on the exit wound if found.
Keep checking breath and watch for signs of tension pneumothorax.
Here are the signs of Tension Pneumothorax:
Increasing difficulty breathing.
Unequal chest rise (one side of the chest is moving while the other isn’t).
Jugular vein distension (neck veins popping out).
Drop in blood pressure or the casualty becoming unresponsive.
What if Tension Pneumothorax Happens?
If the signs show up to the Tension Pneumothorax, it’s time to take action. In this case, a chest decompression needle is required to release the air.
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