Is the Tactical CricKit CoTCCC-compliant?
Yes. The NAR Tactical CricKit® was specifically engineered to meet CoTCCC requirements for a surgical airway kit in the tactical setting. The kit contains all components required by CoTCCC — specifically a #10 scalpel, tracheal hook, cuffed 6mm tube, syringe for cuff inflation, alcohol prep, and tube securing mechanism. The 6mm cuffed tube meets TCCC dimensional specifications (flanged/cuffed, <10mm OD, 6–7mm ID, 5–8cm intratracheal length).
How does the pouch design help during a surgical airway procedure?
The Tactical CricKit's 500-denier nylon pouch unrolls to provide a clean working surface for components during the procedure. Components are secured in elastic loops arranged in the exact sequential order of use — meaning the provider moves left to right through the components without searching or reorganizing. This design reduces cognitive load and procedural errors during one of the most high-stress interventions in tactical medicine, and the pouch interior serves as a semi-protected surface for components in a contaminated field environment.
What is the difference between the Tactical CricKit and the BAC-Pack?
Both are NAR all-in-one cricothyroidotomy kits. The primary difference is the tube technique: the Tactical CricKit uses a standard cuffed tube with obturator following the traditional open surgical approach, while the BAC-Pack uses a tube with a pre-inserted bougie for the bougie-aided technique. The BAC-Pack is slightly larger (5.2 oz vs 3.7–4 oz). Both kits contain a scalpel, tracheal hook, syringe, alcohol prep, and securing strap. Providers trained in the bougie-aided technique may prefer the BAC-Pack; those using the traditional open technique may prefer the CricKit.
Does the Tactical CricKit include gloves?
Yes. The current version of the Tactical CricKit includes a pair of Bear Claw Nitrile Trauma Gloves for the procedure, along with two alcohol pad packets for skin disinfection. This ensures the provider has barrier protection immediately available within the kit without needing to separately source gloves.
Can the Tactical CricKit be used at night or in low-light environments?
Yes — the kit is specifically designed for low-light and battlefield environments. The sequential component layout means the provider can advance through the procedure by memory and touch, with each component in its known position in the elastic loops. The pouch design minimizes the need to visually search for components. Providers using this kit in operational settings should train to proficiency with it in simulated low-light conditions to maximize its field utility.
Who is this kit for — what training level is required?
Surgical cricothyrotomy is a provider-level skill: TCCC advanced medical training (18D, SOCM, flight medic), paramedic, PA, or physician. It requires anatomic knowledge and hands-on training — incorrect placement risks puncturing the tracheal wall, major vessels, or the esophagus. Do not stage this kit unless you have completed training on the specific scalpel/tracheal hook technique, ideally with cadaver or high-fidelity simulation.
Why a #10 scalpel — not a #22?
The #10 blade is the CoTCCC-specified blade for surgical cricothyrotomy — its curved tip and belly are appropriate for the controlled horizontal stab incision through the CTM. The CricKit is purpose-configured with the correct blade; do not substitute.
Is this CoTCCC-recommended?
Yes. The NAR Tactical CricKit was specifically engineered to meet CoTCCC requirements for a surgical airway kit and contains all features required by CoTCCC for a surgical airway kit in the tactical setting. Use 'CoTCCC-recommended' or 'meets CoTCCC requirements' — not 'CoTCCC-approved.'
What does the 500-denier nylon pouch do?
It unrolls to provide a clean working surface in austere environments — critical for a sterile-field-adjacent procedure performed in dirt, sand, or blood. Components are pre-staged in sequence of use within the pouch so your hands follow the workflow without searching. The pouch also functions as the carry and storage case, rolled and retained by the integrated strap.
What is the NSN for procurement?
NSN: 6515-01-540-7568. MED-TAC is SDVOSB-certified for government procurement, purchase orders, and set-aside pricing. Contact orders@tactical-medicine.com for procurement documentation.
