Question 1

how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Question: "How does it work?"
Answer: The Hyfin Vent Chest Seal functions by 3 one-way check valves that will allow air and liquid to exit but not enter the chest via a puncture in the pleura. It is intended to prevent a lung from collapsing (aka pneumothorax).

Additional Information: This product is a first-aid treatment for a "sucking chest wound" (e.g. stabbing, gun shot, or other puncture to the pleural cavity). IT DOES NOT REPLACE SURGERY. If applied to such a wound, I strongly recommend you call 911 or urgently seek professional medical attention.

You have 2 lungs. One vent is required for each lung (not each wound). Gunshot wounds to the chest typically result in 1 entry and 1 exit wound. If dealing with one lung, a vent should be placed at one wound and the other can be sealed with appropriate tape. The remaining vent could then be saved for the other lung. This is may be advanced first-aid. If in doubt, use one vent per hole.

Older versions of this product had 1 vent. If you have this type of vent, ensure the vent is placed at the low point of the wound (closest to the ground).

Closing Remarks: User "SJH" isn't completely wrong, but I would ONLY use tape and plastic sheets to make a check valve as a last resort improvisation.

If you are unsure of first aid procedures and equipment, and place a higher value on life than the cost of training -- get training! Don't be someone who dies, or watches someone die, before the ambulance arrives. Understand how to use ALL the equipment in your kit. Don't wait until an incident happens to figure out how to use an item, it could determine life or death.

I hope you found this information useful.

Question 2

I have heard that people have had problems with chest seals not being sticky enough--- How 'bout deese?

Accepted Answer

How 'bout deese. Love it

Question 3

How does an untrained bystander know whether the use of this product is appropriate? Thx

Accepted Answer

See a lot of good answers here. Some are unclear though, or don't address liability. So here's the skinny.
If you are untrained DO NOT attempt to use this. If you are insistant on having it for a unknown situation, buy a couple and find someone who is trained to use them, and ask them to show you. Hospitals offer basic first aid/for classes, so taking one of those and bringing this item up would be a good bet.
NEVER attempt to go beyond your scope of training, both for their safety, and yours, as well as your liability. If you do, and they survive but with complications, or they die, you can be held civilly liable, in some cases even criminally liable. It sucks, but that's the way it is. 
Best bet is to always just call 911 and apply pressure to wound if it's bleeding heavily.

Question 4

Exp.  Date?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your inquiry, Nate! The expiration date on our current stock of North American Hyfin Vent Chest Seal Twin Packs is May 2025 (05-2025). Please feel free to contact us with any further questions. Semper Paratus!

Weight	85 g
Units	2 Count
Brand	North American Rescue
Format	Chest seal
Age Range Description	Adult

North American Rescue Hyfin Vent Chest Seal, Original Version 2 Count (Pack of 1)

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