[kellyhound]

A special patch that is used to close an open wound in the chest and minimize the risk of pneumothorax - the main cause of death on the battlefield.

Chest seals are a type of bandage used for deep puncture wounds to the chest, neck, and abdomen. They play a critical role in triage first aid for these types of injuries. Chest seals are commonly used by first responders, including emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and military field medics, but can be used by anyone. They are simple to use and are included in many modern first aid kits.
Taking the time to learn about the supplies in your first aid kit—including chest seals—can help you know the types of injuries you're prepared to care for. It's important to know what items you'll have at your disposal before you need to use them.

Chest seals are simple, effective treatments that can save lives if you know when—and how—to use them. This information is important to know, even if you aren't a healthcare professional or in the military.

This article explains how and when chest seals should be used and why they are important.
How Does a Chest Seal Work?
The wall of the human chest is made up of muscles, cartilage, and bones (including the ribs) that protect vital organs, airways, and major blood vessels and help move air in and out of the lungs.

When we breathe, the muscles and cartilage stretched across and between our ribs make it possible for our chest to expand and contract as air moves in and out of our lungs through the trachea (windpipe). The rib cage stretches and organs and tissues inside the chest cavity shift as the lungs fill and empty. A hole in the chest wall (from a bullet or stab wound, for instance) can disrupt this closed system.

As the chest wall continues to expand and contract to breathe, air can be pulled into the chest through the wound. Additional air in the chest can put pressure on the lungs and make it hard for them to fill with air. This is a serious condition called a pneumothorax (Latin for "air in the chest"). It is also sometimes called a collapsed lung.

A wound that bubbles blood when a person breathes is a telltale sign that there is air in the chest that requires immediate treatment.

A chest seal does not stop a wound from bleeding. Rather, it works to close off the wound to prevent air from entering the chest cavity. Many versions also have a vent mechanism to allow any air that's already trapped in the chest to leave.

[pokerplay]

that's bad ass man. here i was thinking i'd find a cute little semi aquatic marine mammal burst out of a box.

[ride]

Pneumothorax in an open wound is bubbly blood, pretty easy indicator. A closed-chest pneumothorax presents as a “Rice Krispies” sound on a stethoscope.