When applying a chest seal, how far should the edges extend beyond the edge of the wound?

When applying a chest seal, it is critical that the seal extends beyond the edge of the wound by at least 2 inches. This ensures that the seal adequately covers the injury and prevents air from entering the chest cavity, which is crucial for maintaining proper lung function and preventing a collapsed lung, or pneumothorax. A 2-inch overlap provides a sufficient margin to secure the seal against the skin, enhancing its effectiveness in creating a barrier against air entry while allowing any air that may be trapped within the chest cavity to escape.

Using a seal that does not extend far enough might lead to inadequate coverage, thus failing to create an effective seal, which could result in increased respiratory distress or other complications associated with chest injuries. This is why understanding the correct measurement for the application of chest seals is vital in tactical combat casualty care.