Rusch Asherman Chest Seal

I'm a bit of a prepared person. I have a get home bag at home, an emergency kit in my car, and another that I keep on my person at all times. Last month we had a 68W Combat Medic run a two day course on the basics and most important skills. One of them was how to stop a sucking chest wound, and these are the Chest Seals that we used. These chest seals work on a wet bloody surface, meaning they still stick. It also comes with a small gauze on one side to try to clean off the area before applying. Very convenient and high quality.

I've read of chest seals but never saw one in person. They seem very flimsy and pretty expensive for what they are. Then again, in the unfortunate situation of needing one, guess they are worth every penny. Revision on 2012.05.29: since 0 of 6 people found my review unhelpful, I'll try to do better. Here goes: First, let me state that I have not opened the package so as to not contaminate it, nor have I ever used one of these. This kit consists of a 5 1/2 " round piece if latex with an adhesive coated surface on one side. There is a piece of gauze included. In the center is the piece that goes outside the wound wound, which avoids air being drawn into a chest wound, but allows air to escape, at least that's what I understand from reading about its use on the internet. This keeps the lung expanded. It appears to be a simple, but effective device. Alternatives I read of are the Bolin Chest seal (more expensive), or making your own from items in your first aid kit or what is available. You can search the internet for explanations on how to use it. If you still find this review wanting, please add a comment with a constructive suggestion. Thanks.

I'm going to buy another one for three reasons. The first is Murphy's law. The second is that my purpose for it is to treat gunshot wounds and those are likely to have not only an entrance but an exit wound as well and air can escape from either, the third reason is that I don't want someone who is in the middle of an adrenaline rush to jab a decompression needle into my lungs to relieve a tension pneumothorax. This is so much simpler.

Arrived in a timely manner and placed in first aid kit. Added quick large print explanation of when and how to correctly use for responders. Good addition to kit.

Just bought these in mid July. The expiration date on them is August. No wonder they were so cheap. Would have been nice to know that before I bought them. Now I'm not sure I can rely on them if God forbid I ever need them.

Great product… I would recommend this product to everyone. I am very pleased with my purchase. The quality is great and it is what is advertised.

We use these at work. They don't stick when exposed to a bloody surface. Every one that I've applied has failed.

I got this for my heavy duty first aid kit and hope I never have to use it. All I can do is hope it works as it should.