What types of tape are available on the TacMed Tape Board?
The TacMed Tape Board is available in two variants: duct tape (MEDTAC0906) and surgical tape (MEDTAC0907). Duct tape provides maximum adhesion for securing bulkier dressings over wound packing, IV lines, and field-improvised splints. Surgical tape offers gentler, more flexible adhesion for IV catheter site dressings, NPA (nasopharyngeal airway) securing, and skin-sensitive applications. Select based on the primary intended use in your kit.
How much tape is on each Tape Board?
Each TacMed Tape Board contains 5 feet of pre-folded tape. This provides enough for multiple dressing securement tasks — typically 3 to 5 tape strips of 8–12 inches — from a single board, covering the typical tape needs of a complete trauma patient care episode from wound packing through evacuation.
Can the Tape Board be used while wearing gloves?
Yes — this is one of its primary design advantages. The tape is pre-folded with a small turned-over pull tab at the starting end, allowing providers wearing nitrile or leather gloves to grab and pull the tape immediately without needing to locate the tape edge by feel or with fingernails. This dramatically improves tape access time under stress compared to standard tape rolls.
Does the Tape Board fit in standard IFAK pouches?
Yes. The flat-board format is specifically designed for IFAK and aid bag integration. The thin rigid board keeps the tape flat and prevents tangling in the pouch, while the overall size is approximately index-card scale — fitting flush in any IFAK side pocket or flat pouch sleeve. It is listed as a standard component in TacMed Basic IFAK builds.
What can medical tape be used for in a tactical trauma setting?
Medical tape has multiple uses in TCCC: securing IV catheter sites (alone or over a Tegaderm dressing), anchoring wound dressings and pressure bandages over packed wounds, securing NPA airway adjuncts to the face, marking tourniquet application time on the patient's forehead or forearm, improvised splint reinforcement, and bandage closure. Having 5 feet of pre-started tape immediately accessible in the kit can directly save time in each of these applications.
What type of tape is on the Tape Board?
The Tape Board w/ Medical Tape includes 2" surgical tape — a standard medical-grade cloth or paper adhesive tape used for dressing securement, chest seal perimeter reinforcement, and splint application. Medical-grade adhesive is skin-safe on removal and maintains adhesion in field conditions. The board format keeps the tape flat and pre-cut-ready within a kit without a loose roll.
How does a tape board fit in an IFAK?
The flat board format is specifically designed for IFAK integration — it occupies a flat slot within a kit rather than a cylindrical roll space. Standard tape boards are approximately 5" x 2" x 0.25" when loaded, allowing them to slide between other kit components without creating dead space. They are a standard inclusion in TacMed™ Casualty Throw Kits and Emergency Trauma Station Throw Kits.
Can the tape board be used to secure a chest seal?
Yes — tape applied around the perimeter of a chest seal is a recommended technique when the seal adhesive does not achieve full contact with the wound site, particularly over hairy skin, irregular chest wall contours, or wet/bloody surfaces. The 2" medical tape from this board provides sufficient width and adhesion for chest seal perimeter reinforcement. This technique is referenced in multiple TCCC/TECC guidelines as an adjunct to chest seal application.
