TacMed™ Basic NG/OG Tube Kit

What is included in the TacMed™ Basic NG/OG Tube Kit?

The kit contains nine verified items: 1x Nasogastric Feeding Tube (14FR, 36", PVC, sterile), 2x Surgilube (sterile lubricant jelly), 1x Syringe (2 oz cath tip, 60CC), 1x Adhesive Knuckle Bandage, 2x Sponge Gauze (sterile, 2-pack), 1x Tape Cloth (1-inch), 1x Flexible Drinking Straw (7.75"), 1x Precision pH Test Strips, and 1 pair of Blackmaxx Gloves (size XL). Together these items support complete NG/OG tube placement and confirmation.

What is an NG/OG tube used for in tactical medicine?

Nasogastric (NG) and orogastric (OG) tubes are used in tactical and prolonged field care primarily for two purposes: gastric decompression in unconscious or altered patients to prevent aspiration vomiting, and enteral access for medication or nutrition delivery during extended care scenarios. These procedures fall within the Prolonged Field Care (PFC) scope of practice for special operations medics and paramedic-level first responders.

Why does this kit include pH test strips?

pH test strips provide secondary confirmation of correct gastric tube placement. Gastric aspirate has an acidic pH of 4 or lower, while misplaced esophageal or pulmonary placement produces a neutral or alkaline aspirate. Using pH strips alongside the auscultation method (air insufflation over the epigastrium) provides dual confirmation before tube use — a critical safety step since esophageal misplacement is a serious, potentially fatal error.

What size NG tube is included and why?

The kit includes a 14 French (14FR), 36-inch PVC nasogastric tube. 14FR is the standard adult NG tube diameter, providing adequate flow for gastric decompression and aspiration while being small enough for comfortable nasopharyngeal passage. The 36-inch length ensures adequate length to reach the stomach in virtually all adult patients. PVC construction offers appropriate flexibility at body temperature for atraumatic insertion.

Who is the TacMed™ Basic NG/OG Tube Kit designed for?

This kit is designed for advanced medical providers — including paramedics, special operations medics (18D, SARC, PJ), physician assistants, and medical officers — who may perform NG/OG tube placement in Tactical Field Care or Prolonged Field Care scenarios. NG/OG tube insertion is outside the scope of basic Combat Lifesaver (CLS) training and is an advanced airway/GI management skill requiring appropriate training.

What scope of practice is required to use the NG/OG Tube Kit?

NG/OG tube placement is an advanced provider skill. In the US military, it is within the scope of Special Operations 18D and 68W medics under PFC protocols. In civilian settings, it is within the scope of paramedics, advanced EMTs (in some states), and physicians. Always operate within your jurisdiction's scope of practice and under applicable medical direction.

How do you confirm NG tube placement without X-ray in the field?

The kit supports two bedside confirmation methods: (1) Aspiration + pH strips — aspirate gastric contents with the 60CC catheter-tip syringe and test on pH strips; gastric aspirate has pH ≤4, while esophageal aspirate is neutral (pH 6–7). (2) Auscultation — insufflate 20–30mL air rapidly while auscultating over the epigastrium for borborygmi. Both methods should be used together; do not rely on auscultation alone.

Can this kit be used for orogastric tube placement?

Yes. The 14FR, 36-inch tube included can be placed via either the nasal route (nasogastric) or the oral route (orogastric). OG placement is preferred in patients with suspected basilar skull fracture (contraindication to NG) or when nasopharyngeal passage is obstructed. Lubrication requirements are the same; the flexible straw can guide placement angle for OG approach.