What is the Sharps Shuttle used for?
The NAR Sharps Shuttle (30-0014) is a compact, single-use sharps container for point-of-use disposal of used needles, catheters, and small syringes during IV and IO access procedures. The clear body allows fill-level monitoring, the vertical point-first entry reduces accidental needle-stick risk during disposal, and the quick-tab locking cap secures contents until proper disposal.
How many needles does the Sharps Shuttle hold?
The Sharps Shuttle holds up to 6 needles. Its tapered cylindrical body (1.25 in diameter × 6.5 in length) is sized to accommodate the typical sharps generated during a complete IV saline lock placement or IO access procedure without requiring the medic to carry a full-size sharps container.
Does the Sharps Shuttle fit in tactical medical kits?
Yes. The Sharps Shuttle's tapered cylindrical form factor (1.25 in × 6.5 in) is specifically designed to fit snugly into the NAR Medic Leg-Rig™ and Trauma Pack, keeping it accessible at the point of procedure. Its slim profile also fits standard IFAK side pouches and aid bag pockets without displacing other critical supplies.
Is the Sharps Shuttle reusable?
No. The Sharps Shuttle is single-use and disposable. After use, close the quick-tab locking cap to secure the contents and dispose of as biohazardous sharps waste in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations for sharps disposal. Do not attempt to re-open or reuse the container after locking.
Why is a dedicated sharps container important in tactical medicine?
Needle-stick injuries in the field carry significant bloodborne pathogen exposure risk and require post-exposure protocols that can impact operational readiness. In austere environments with poor lighting, patient movement, and stress, recapping needles by hand dramatically increases stick risk. The Sharps Shuttle provides a structured one-handed disposal pathway that eliminates the need for needle recapping and ensures used sharps are immediately contained, protecting both the medic and the patient.
Is the NAR Sharps Shuttle CoTCCC-recommended?
The Sharps Shuttle is a sharps safety device, not a medical treatment device; CoTCCC recommendations focus on clinical interventions. The Sharps Shuttle supports safe execution of CoTCCC-recommended needle decompression and IV procedures by providing compliant needle disposal at point of injury.
What training is needed to use the Sharps Shuttle?
Any provider performing needle-based procedures (ARS, SPEAR, IV cannulation) should be trained in the one-handed scoop technique for safe needle disposal. This is covered in TCCC and OSHA-compliant sharps handling curricula.
How many needles does the Sharps Shuttle hold?
Verify capacity in the current product specification. The Sharps Shuttle is designed for field carry of limited-use needles typical of an individual IFAK or medic bag, not for bulk disposal.
What is the NSN or procurement path for the Sharps Shuttle?
Available through MED-TAC International. Agency and DoD procurement can contact NAR for current GSA contract vehicle and NSN status.
Can the Sharps Shuttle be used with SPEAR and ARS needles?
Yes. The Sharps Shuttle is designed to contain the needle after withdrawal from both the SPEAR and ARS needle decompression systems, as well as IV catheter introducers, allowing safe, one-handed disposal at point of injury.
