Nasogastric / Orogastric (NG / OG) Kit

What is included in the North American Rescue NG / OG Kit (SKU: 83-0013)?

The NAR NG/OG Kit contains: 1× surgical tape (1 in.), 1× fabric knuckle bandage, 1× pair Black Talon nitrile gloves (Large), 1× gauze pad (4×4 in., 2-pack), 1× surgical lubricant (5 gm, single use), 1× 60 ml catheter tip irrigation syringe, 1× flexible drinking straw (7.75 in.), 1× pH test strips (1.0–14.0 range, 100 pack), and 1× nasogastric tube (14 Fr, 48 in.). All components are specifically selected to support the complete insertion procedure.

When is an NG/OG tube insertion performed in a tactical or field setting?

Nasogastric and orogastric tube insertion is an advanced skill used during Prolonged Casualty Care (PCC) or Prolonged Field Care (PFC) when a patient requires gastric decompression, medication delivery, or enteral nutrition. It is typically performed by combat medics, SOF corpsmen, or pararescuemen when evacuation to definitive care is delayed and the patient's condition requires intervention beyond standard TCCC measures.

Why are pH test strips included in the NAR NG/OG Kit?

pH test strips are a critical safety component for confirming nasogastric tube placement. After insertion, the clinician uses the irrigation syringe to aspirate fluid from the tube. Gastric contents typically have a pH of 1–5, which the test strip confirms. This step is essential before administering any fluid or medication through the tube, to prevent the catastrophic error of infusing into the respiratory tract instead of the stomach.

What tube size is included and is it appropriate for adult patients?

Yes. The kit includes a 14 French (Fr), 48-inch nasogastric tube, which is a standard adult-sized NG tube appropriate for gastric decompression, medication delivery, and feeding in adult casualties. The 48-inch length provides adequate reach and allows external measurement prior to insertion.

How does the NAR NG/OG Kit fit into a standard medical loadout?

The kit measures 8.5" × 5.5" × 1.5" and weighs 5.5 oz, making it suitable for storage in MOLLE pouch side pockets, aid bag compartments, or the inner pockets of a tactical medic pack. North American Rescue packages it as a single ready-to-deploy module so medics do not need to assemble or source individual components separately in the field.

Who should use the NG/OG Kit?

NG/OG tube placement requires formal medical training — typically SOF 18D medic, flight medic, PA, or physician level. It is an advanced provider-level skill requiring practice on training models before operational deployment.

Is this a CoTCCC-recommended procedure?

NG/OG tube placement is referenced in TCCC guidelines for Prolonged Field Care (PFC) protocols. Verify current CoTCCC PFC guidance at deployed-medicine.com for up-to-date procedure recommendations.

What tube sizes are included?

Verify the specific tube size(s) included in your kit against the current NAR product specification sheet. Adult SAR operations typically require 14–18 Fr for decompression and larger sizes for feeding.

Is this kit available for government procurement?

North American Rescue surgical kits are available through GSA Schedule and DLA/DIBBS contracts. Contact NAR or an authorized distributor for current NSN and contract vehicle information.

Can this kit be used for enteral nutrition in PFC scenarios?

NG tubes can be used for enteral feeding in extended field care when IV access is unavailable and the patient's GI tract is functional. This requires specific training and medical officer authorization consistent with the applicable PFC protocol.