Chest Tube Insertion Kit

When should a chest tube be used instead of needle decompression in TCCC?

Per TCCC guidelines, chest tube thoracostomy (CTT) is an escalation option when: (1) two needle decompression attempts on the same side have failed to resolve respiratory distress, (2) the estimated casualty evacuation time to the next echelon of care exceeds 45 minutes following initial successful NDC (to manage anticipated re-accumulation), or (3) a provider with appropriate skills and authorizations determines that definitive pleural drainage is indicated. CTT requires formal training and medical director authorization — it is not a first-responder intervention.

What size chest tube does the NAR Chest Tube Insertion Kit include?

The kit is available in two French-size variants: 36 FR (SKU 83-0007, NSN 6515-01-706-5310) and 28 FR (SKU 83-0039). The 36 FR soft chest tube is the standard selection for adult patients requiring maximum drainage capacity for hemothorax or large pneumothorax. The 28 FR option provides a smaller-caliber alternative per local protocol preference. All other procedural components — scalpel, hemostat, gauze, suture, valve, gloves, and prep — are identical in both variants.

What is included in the NAR Chest Tube Insertion Kit?

The kit contains: one soft chest tube (28 FR or 36 FR per variant), one chest tube valve, one protected #10 scalpel, one 5.5-inch Kelly curved hemostat, one sterile 8.5-inch curved Roch-Peon, one pair of sterile surgical gloves, one 3 in. × 18 in. petrolatum gauze, one 4 in. × 4 in. gauze pad (2 pk), Chloraprep swabsticks (3 per package), and one 30-inch O-silk suture. All items required for emergency chest tube thoracostomy are included in a single vacuum-sealed pouch.

Does the kit require a Medical Device Authorization to purchase?

Yes. The NAR Chest Tube Insertion Kit is classified as a medical device and requires Medical Device Authorization for purchase. This restriction is in place because chest tube thoracostomy is a provider-level procedure requiring formal training, competency maintenance, and scope-of-practice authorization. Contact MED-TAC International for qualification and purchase authorization.

What is the difference between the NAR Chest Tube Kit and the NAR Simple Thoracostomy Kit?

The NAR Simple Thoracostomy Kit is designed for finger (blunt dissection) thoracostomy — a more rapidly performed procedure that opens the pleural space without a formal chest tube. It includes a scalpel, hemostat, gauze, chest seal, and prep swabs, but no chest tube or drainage valve. The Chest Tube Insertion Kit is the more advanced option, providing a complete chest tube thoracostomy setup with a French-sized soft tube and Heimlich-type chest tube valve for sustained drainage. Simple thoracostomy is appropriate when chest tube placement is not feasible or authorized; CTT provides definitive, sustained decompression and drainage.

What training is required to insert a chest tube?

Chest tube insertion is a credentialed advanced procedure. In military medicine, 68WM Special Forces medics and PJs with extended trauma training are authorized with appropriate medical oversight. In civilian EMS, critical care paramedics and flight providers with protocol authorization perform the procedure. Always confirm scope of practice and medical director authorization before carrying this kit.

What is the NSN for the 36FR Chest Tube Insertion Kit?

The 36FR Chest Tube Insertion Kit (NAR SKU 83-0007) carries NSN 6515-01-706-5310 for government procurement through DLA. Contact MED-TAC International for current contract vehicle availability.

Is the flutter valve included a one-way valve?

Yes. The chest tube valve included in the NAR kit is a one-way flutter-type valve that allows air and fluid to exit the pleural space while preventing backflow — providing tension pneumothorax prevention during transport without requiring a water seal drainage system.

Can this kit be used for emergency needle decompression?

No. This kit is specifically designed for open chest tube thoracostomy. For needle decompression (tension pneumothorax at TCCC level), use the CoTCCC-recommended ARS® 14G Needle Decompression Kit (NAR SKU 30-0012), which is separately available at tactical-medicine.com.

How does the ChloraPrep preparation compare to Betadine for field use?

ChloraPrep (chlorhexidine gluconate/isopropyl alcohol) provides rapid broad-spectrum skin antisepsis with persistent antimicrobial activity and is preferred over povidone-iodine (Betadine) in current surgical guidelines. The one-step applicator allows single-handed skin prep in the field without a separate basin.