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SFWPNSSGT/SPC · 06-10-2009, 07:17

My $.02: Not a QP, but I really like my job.
With the limited experience I have with the Bolin, I like it. The ACS is great if you have the time to make sure it sticks. The Hyfin sticks well and is more durable, but no one way valve. Need to get a hold of some bigger sizes. The survivability of the packaging varies. I have not had any Bolin fail yet when I test them after coming out of the bag, but I change my ACS out every 3 or 4 months because they get beat up and stick to their backing. Same problem with the Hyfin; one bag was exposed to some extreme heat though.
I've covered all open chest injuries because I was never in a very clean environment. Also, I have not learned any techniques to manage large holes in the chest without covering them or how to recognize the complications during monitoring other than the basics. Didn't feel comfortable with it. The first time I saw a lung, the only thing I could think about was covering it up, and getting them out of my house. While in Afghanistan I ran into some shrapnel injuries on locals by VBIED (3 MASCAL, and assorted other patients). It was never just one hole. I would use a combination of Hyfin and large Tagaderm with tape, and an ACS for the bigger holes that looked to be transferring air. If the wounds were bleeding in any troubling amount I used xeroform gauze and gauze pads over that, tape, sometimes an Israeli. I would worry about the NCD later. This was all in a small aid station setting. I had 7-10 great TCCC guys at a time and sometimes CANMIL medics. All the guys worked on these methods, and executed flawlessly. Another way I used the Asherman was on needle chest decompressions. I would place the ACS over the hub to secure it, and to provide a one way valve (someone told me this was not beneficial. True?) I know in a field setting it's not always an option, but all of these dressings worked if the surface was prepped. I ended up using disposable razors, tincture of benzoine, Dermabond and tape on a clean chest wall. They got to me 10-20 minutes after the explosion. I kept some for up to 12 hours. Couldn't always get them all out to KAF, some ended up making it to Pak in the back of trucks (thanks to a great Afghan Commander). The dressings worked while I had them, and I heard that the combinations of dressings worked on the way to the PAK hospitals.

06-10-2009, 07:17	#19
SFWPNSSGT/SPC SF Candidate Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 2	Chest Seals My $.02: Not a QP, but I really like my job. With the limited experience I have with the Bolin, I like it. The ACS is great if you have the time to make sure it sticks. The Hyfin sticks well and is more durable, but no one way valve. Need to get a hold of some bigger sizes. The survivability of the packaging varies. I have not had any Bolin fail yet when I test them after coming out of the bag, but I change my ACS out every 3 or 4 months because they get beat up and stick to their backing. Same problem with the Hyfin; one bag was exposed to some extreme heat though. I've covered all open chest injuries because I was never in a very clean environment. Also, I have not learned any techniques to manage large holes in the chest without covering them or how to recognize the complications during monitoring other than the basics. Didn't feel comfortable with it. The first time I saw a lung, the only thing I could think about was covering it up, and getting them out of my house. While in Afghanistan I ran into some shrapnel injuries on locals by VBIED (3 MASCAL, and assorted other patients). It was never just one hole. I would use a combination of Hyfin and large Tagaderm with tape, and an ACS for the bigger holes that looked to be transferring air. If the wounds were bleeding in any troubling amount I used xeroform gauze and gauze pads over that, tape, sometimes an Israeli. I would worry about the NCD later. This was all in a small aid station setting. I had 7-10 great TCCC guys at a time and sometimes CANMIL medics. All the guys worked on these methods, and executed flawlessly. Another way I used the Asherman was on needle chest decompressions. I would place the ACS over the hub to secure it, and to provide a one way valve (someone told me this was not beneficial. True?) I know in a field setting it's not always an option, but all of these dressings worked if the surface was prepped. I ended up using disposable razors, tincture of benzoine, Dermabond and tape on a clean chest wall. They got to me 10-20 minutes after the explosion. I kept some for up to 12 hours. Couldn't always get them all out to KAF, some ended up making it to Pak in the back of trucks (thanks to a great Afghan Commander). The dressings worked while I had them, and I heard that the combinations of dressings worked on the way to the PAK hospitals.
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