When applying a chest seal, what should you do first?

When applying a chest seal, it is crucial to first wipe off any blood from the area around the wound. This step is important for several reasons. Cleaning the area ensures that the adhesive on the chest seal can properly adhere to the skin, which is essential for creating an effective seal that prevents air from entering the pleural space. Blood and other fluids can interfere with adhesion, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the chest seal.

Wiping away blood also helps in clearly assessing the wound itself, including its size and location, which is critical for proper treatment. This preparation step establishes a clean surface for the chest seal application, which ultimately plays a vital role in managing potentially life-threatening conditions such as a tension pneumothorax.

Other options either skip this critical step or do not address the need for preparation before applying the chest seal.