What condition may require the use of a chest seal?

The use of a chest seal is specifically indicated for an open pneumothorax, commonly referred to as a sucking chest wound. This condition occurs when a wound in the chest wall allows air to enter the pleural space, disrupting normal respiratory mechanics and potentially leading to lung collapse. By applying a chest seal over the wound, external air ingress is prevented, thereby allowing the lung to re-inflate during expiration and restoring more stable lung function.

This engagement is critical because it helps to reduce the risk of further complications such as tension pneumothorax, where trapped air in the pleural space increases pressure and can compromise cardiovascular function. The chest seal acts as a one-way valve, permitting air to escape from the chest but preventing it from entering, which is essential in managing an open pneumothorax effectively.

In contrast, conditions like pneumonia, fractured ribs, or chest contusions do not benefit from a chest seal. Pneumonia is an infection and does not involve a breach in the chest wall; fractured ribs may not compromise the pleural space in the same way, and chest contusions relate more to soft tissue injury rather than penetrating trauma. Hence, only an open pneumothorax necessitates the use of a chest seal for proper management