The SENTINEL® Chest Trauma Kit (SKU: MEDTAC0781) by Combat Medical Systems is the most comprehensive all-in-one chest trauma intervention package available — combining the Sentinel™ vented chest seal, the Dart® 14-gauge 3.25" needle decompression catheter, and the Dart® Target anatomical placement guide in a single 6.88" × 1.0" IFAK-compatible package. Weight: 3 oz. FDA Listed. 5-year shelf life. 100% Made in USA. TAA compliant.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Combat Medical Systems (Safeguard Medical) |
| SKU (MED-TAC) | MEDTAC0781 |
| Kit Contents | 1× Sentinel™ Chest Seal (vented), 1× Dart® Needle (14G × 3.25"), 1× Dart® Target placement guide, 1× non-woven wipe |
| Chest Seal Type | Vented — dual-vent technology, 360° Sentinel 10x™ acrylate adhesive |
| Needle Gauge | 14-gauge |
| Needle Length | 3.25 inches |
| Catheter | Thick-walled, uniform — minimizes kinking for first-attempt decompression |
| Kit Dimensions | 6.88" L × 1.0" D |
| Kit Weight | 3 oz |
| Shelf Life | 5 years |
| Regulatory Status | FDA Listed, single patient use |
| Procurement | Available Direct, Prime Vendor, ECAT, CEC, GSA |
| Origin | 100% Made in USA, TAA Compliant |
Product Overview
Tension pneumothorax is the third leading cause of preventable battlefield death. The SENTINEL® Chest Trauma Kit is the only commercially available chest trauma system that integrates all three critical interventions for managing open chest wounds and tension pneumothorax in a single compact package: (1) the Sentinel™ vented chest seal for sealing open wounds; (2) the Dart® needle decompression catheter for relieving tension; and (3) the Dart® Target anatomical placement guide for accurate needle insertion — even for providers at any skill level.
The Dart® Target is unique in the chest decompression space. It is the only proven and effective needle placement guide for chest decompression, ensuring the needle is correctly positioned at the 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line — the CoTCCC-specified site for needle decompression (NDC). The guide exceeds the 5th to 95th percentile population range, making it effective across diverse casualty body types. The Dart® 14-gauge, 3.25" catheter uses a thick-walled, uniform construction specifically designed to minimize kinking in the intercostal space — a documented cause of first-attempt decompression failure with standard thin-wall catheters.
The entire kit dimensions are 6.88" × 1.0" diameter and weighs 3 oz — exceptionally low cube claim for a complete chest trauma kit, per Safeguard Medical's own specifications. The easy-access kit packaging protects contents in rugged operational conditions. The kit also includes a highly absorbent non-woven wipe for wound site preparation. For needle decompression as a standalone supply, see the MedSource Labs NIK Needle Decompression Indicator Kit. Browse MED-TAC's complete chest & thoracic supplies collection.
Treatment Protocol (TCCC Framework)
- Assess for open chest wound: Identify penetrating chest trauma, sucking chest wound, or signs of tension pneumothorax.
- Apply Sentinel Chest Seal: Use the non-woven wipe to clear the wound site; apply the Sentinel seal centered over the wound. Dual vents allow simultaneous blood and air egress.
- Monitor: Assess SpO₂, respiratory status, breath sounds, and hemodynamics. If the chest seal effectively manages the open wound without tension developing, continue monitoring during evacuation.
- If tension pneumothorax develops — burp or remove seal: Per TCCC guidelines, if tension signs appear (respiratory distress, decreasing SpO₂, absent breath sounds, shock), burp or remove the Sentinel seal first.
- Needle decompression with Dart® Target + Dart® Needle: Place the Dart Target at the 2nd ICS midclavicular line. Insert the 14G × 3.25" Dart needle perpendicular to the chest wall to the hub; hold 5-10 seconds. Remove needle, leave catheter in place.
- Reassess: Confirm decompression success. Re-apply the chest seal. Monitor continuously until definitive care.
See also: Chest & Thoracic Supplies | IFAK Kits
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
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