SAM Chest Seal - COMBO

Key Specifications

Product Overview

The SAM® Chest Seal COMBO (CS203-EN) addresses the most technically demanding challenge in vented chest seal design: maintaining one-way valve function when the valve is compressed by body armor, tactical vests, transport straps, or the casualty's own weight during evacuation. Most channel or flap-based vents function by allowing passive air flow, which can be interrupted if external pressure closes the vent pathway. The TRUFLOW™ valve in the SAM Valved Chest Seal uses a rigid raised-dome geometry that maintains an air-flow pathway even when external pressure is applied — the dome physically holds the vent space open regardless of compression.

The TRUFLOW™ valve also features large side vents that minimize internal obstruction from blood clots or soft tissue — a documented failure mode in some single small-aperture valve designs. The rigid dome geometry ensures that normal one-way chest cavity airflow continues in transport, under body armor, and in positions where a casualty's weight compresses the seal area. SAM Medical specifies that the SAM® Chest Seal "sticks relentlessly — through extreme heat or cold, no matter the elements" using a proprietary adhesive that seals and reseals open chest wounds. One or both application tabs can be used for placement, lifting, and removal — providing flexibility for wound burping.

The Combo pack (one valved + one non-valved) supports the clinical protocol of applying the valved seal to the anterior entry wound for active venting and the non-valved seal to the posterior exit wound for complete occlusion. NSN 6510-01-656-8718 enables procurement through military supply channels — with the Valved 2.0 (CS202-EN, NSN 6510-01-658-7745) and Non-Valved (CS201-EN, NSN 6510-01-621-1129) available individually. For complete chest trauma supplies, see MED-TAC's chest & thoracic collection or configure a complete IFAK kit.

The TRUFLOW™ Valve System

The TRUFLOW™ valve is SAM Medical's proprietary solution to the body-armor compression problem. Standard flap or channel vents rely on gravity or passive airflow dynamics; if the seal is compressed — by body armor, a casualty's position, or a transport strap — these passive mechanisms can fail. The TRUFLOW dome is rigid enough to maintain its shape under external compression while remaining light enough not to add significant bulk to the seal. Large side vents flanking the dome provide redundant drainage paths that resist occlusion by blood clots. One or both pull tabs allow the responder to quickly burp the wound without fully removing the seal.

Application Instructions

1. Expose and clear wound: Remove clothing; wipe wound site area clean of blood and moisture.
2. Select seal type: SAM Valved for anterior entry wound; SAM Non-Valved for posterior exit wound or second anterior wound.
3. Apply using pull tab(s): Center over wound, press firmly from center outward using one or both tabs for initial placement grip.
4. Confirm TRUFLOW dome position: Ensure the dome valve is not obstructed by clothing, armor, or bandaging.
5. Monitor: Watch for tension signs. If tension develops, use pull tab to burp the seal; if unresolved, proceed to needle decompression per TCCC guidelines.

See also: Chest & Thoracic Supplies | IFAK Kits

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.