Will the duct tape work when there is blood all over the wound area? I assume you would wipe the area with something quickly to try and clear some blood away before slapping the seal on, but as you said, that won’t be perfect either with an active chest wound. Or do you just slap it on there blood and all?
Back in the day, I was taught to use a credit card since everyone was likely to have one on them, but only tape 3 sides so that air can escape. This more closely mimics the vented chest seal, is there a reason it is recommended to tape all sides?
It's recommended to tape all sides because if you don't, you risk more air entering the wound. For air escaping the puncture, you should 'burp' the improvised chest seal so that the air doesn't go back in.
That may be a bit small depending on the size of the wound and it's best to use a flexible plastic if you're going to DIY a chest seal. But in an emergency, you've got to use what's available to you!
Will the duct tape work when there is blood all over the wound area? I assume you would wipe the area with something quickly to try and clear some blood away before slapping the seal on, but as you said, that won’t be perfect either with an active chest wound. Or do you just slap it on there blood and all?
For both duct tape and a conventional chest seal, you'd want to wipe the area down to help the adhesive stick.
Back in the day, I was taught to use a credit card since everyone was likely to have one on them, but only tape 3 sides so that air can escape. This more closely mimics the vented chest seal, is there a reason it is recommended to tape all sides?
It's recommended to tape all sides because if you don't, you risk more air entering the wound. For air escaping the puncture, you should 'burp' the improvised chest seal so that the air doesn't go back in.
should a seal be placed when breathing in?
Just slap it on. No need to time it!
I was thought to use my CAC card if needed
That may be a bit small depending on the size of the wound and it's best to use a flexible plastic if you're going to DIY a chest seal. But in an emergency, you've got to use what's available to you!