The HyFin® Vent Chest Seal Twin Pack by North American Rescue is the CoTCCC- and TECC-guideline standard for managing open and tension pneumothorax from penetrating chest trauma. Two individually packaged seals address both entry and exit wounds. The patented 3-channel pressure relief venting system allows air to escape during exhalation while preventing re-entry during inhalation — and remains operational even if two of the three channels become obstructed. Advanced adhesive bonds to bloody, sweaty, or hairy skin.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | North American Rescue |
| Item # / SKU | 10-0037 |
| NSN | 6510-01-642-6212 |
| Seal Dimensions (deployed) | 6" H × 6" W (excluding tab) |
| Packaged (folded) | 7.5" H × 4.5" W × 0.25" D |
| Packaged (unfolded) | 7.5" L × 9" W × 0.13" D |
| Weight | 2.5 oz (twin pack) |
| Venting Channels | 3 patented pressure-relief channels (fail-safe design) |
| Quantity | 2 seals — individually packaged |
| Guideline Compliance | Meets/exceeds TCCC & TECC standards for penetrating chest trauma |
| U.S. Patent | 7,504,549 & patents pending |
Product Overview
Tension pneumothorax is the second leading cause of preventable combat death, surpassed only by extremity hemorrhage. An open chest wound — penetrating trauma that breaches the pleural cavity — creates a sucking chest wound (SCS) in which atmospheric air enters the pleural space with each breath, progressively collapsing the affected lung. Without prompt occlusion and venting, unrelieved tension pneumothorax causes mediastinal shift, obstructs venous return, and can result in cardiovascular collapse within minutes. The HyFin® Vent Chest Seal Twin Pack directly addresses all three failure modes identified in the JAMA Surgery Ranger Battalion study — and specifically the risk of seal failure converting a vented pneumothorax into a life-threatening tension pneumothorax.
The HyFin's three-channel pressure relief system is what distinguishes it from occlusive (non-vented) seals. During exhalation, accumulated air escapes through the channels; during inhalation, the channels seal against skin to prevent air entry. Crucially, the design includes a built-in fail-safe: all three channels must be simultaneously blocked before venting function is lost — an extremely low-probability scenario given the channel spacing. Blood drainage is also permitted through the channels, preventing blood from backing up under the seal and compromising adhesion. The advanced pressure-sensitive adhesive is specifically formulated to maintain bond integrity on bloody, sweaty, hairy, and contaminated skin — conditions that defeat standard medical-grade adhesives in tactical environments.
The twin-pack format follows the standard of care for all penetrating thoracic trauma: treat both the entry and exit wound simultaneously. Each seal is individually packaged, sterile, and ready to deploy without removing it from a protective envelope until the moment of application. The transparent material allows visual confirmation of seal placement and ongoing wound monitoring after application. CoTCCC and TECC guidelines both designate vented chest seals as the first-line intervention for open chest wounds, preceding any needle decompression attempt. For thoracic and chest supply selection see MED-TAC's chest & thoracic collection.
Application Instructions
- Expose and dry the chest wall: Remove clothing; wipe away as much blood and moisture as possible from the wound site area. The adhesive is designed for adverse conditions, but maximum adhesion requires a reasonably clear surface.
- Open the package: Tear along the notch; do not touch the adhesive surface.
- Center and apply: Align the venting tab away from the wound; center the seal over the wound and press firmly from the center outward to eliminate air gaps under the seal.
- Treat both wounds: Apply the second seal to the exit wound using the same technique.
- Monitor: Watch for signs of tension pneumothorax (worsening respiratory distress, tracheal deviation, absent breath sounds). If tension develops, lift one edge of the seal to allow air release, then re-seal.
Vented vs. Occlusive Chest Seals
CoTCCC guidelines recommend vented chest seals as the preferred first-line option for penetrating chest trauma in prehospital settings. Non-vented (occlusive) seals prevent air entry but provide no relief pathway if tension pneumothorax develops — a scenario that requires urgent intervention. The HyFin Vent's three-channel design eliminates this risk without sacrificing occlusive function. The HyFin Vent is an appropriate component in any tactical IFAK, EDC medical kit, or law enforcement patrol kit.
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.
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
