What does R-SICK stand for and who is it designed for?
R-SICK stands for Rapid Surgical Intervention Convenience Kit. It is designed by North American Rescue for forward surgical providers, special operations medics, and Prolonged Field Care (PFC) capable personnel who may need to perform complex surgical procedures — including surgical airways, hemorrhage control, field amputation, and REBOA — in austere environments without access to a fixed operating room or full surgical suite.
What is the difference between Floor Grade and OR Grade R-SICK instruments?
Floor Grade instruments are standard-quality surgical instruments intended for field use where sterility will be managed by the clinician as needed — instruments can be cleaned and sterilized using field-available methods. OR Grade instruments are of operating room quality, suitable for use in sterile surgical environments when higher instrument precision and surface finish are required. Both grades are included in the same rollup organizer layout and can be sterilized by the clinician.
What procedures can be performed with the R-SICK instruments?
The R-SICK is specifically designed to support: surgical cricothyrotomy (using the Trousseau Tracheal Dilator and Hiupp Tracheal Hook), major hemorrhage control (Kelly Forceps, Rochester-Pean Forceps, sutures), field amputation (Gigli Saw blades and loop handles), wound exposure and debridement (Weitlaner retractors, Farabeuf retractors, Mayo scissors), REBOA support (vascular access instruments), and wound closure (multiple needle holders and suture types/sizes).
How is the R-SICK organized for rapid field deployment?
The R-SICK uses a coyote nylon rollup organizer with writeable self-labeling areas for each instrument position. Instruments are sequentially laid out to prepare the proceduralist for "incision, spreading, damage control, and closure" in that order — mirroring surgical workflow. The organizer deploys flat to L 24 in. × W 43 in. for full instrument visibility, then rolls to a minimum 3.5 in. diameter × 8.5 in. for storage in medical bags and rucksacks.
Does the R-SICK include sutures?
Yes. The Floor Grade R-SICK includes multiple suture types and sizes: Ethilon 4-0 Black Monofilament (×2), 3-0 Silk (×2), Black Braided Silk 2-0 (×2), 2-0 CT-2 (×2), and 4-0 Silk Black (×4). This selection covers common wound closure needs from fine tissue approximation to deep tissue closure in a range of PFC scenarios. Sutures are the consumable items in the kit and would require restocking after each use.
Are the instruments in the R-SICK CoTCCC-recommended items?
CoTCCC recommendations cover specific clinical interventions (e.g., surgical airway, needle chest decompression). The R-SICK contains instruments used to execute those CoTCCC-recommended procedures. The kit itself supports CoTCCC-level interventions but is not individually named in CoTCCC guidelines — it is a vehicle for performing them.
Can I train with the R-SICK instruments, and will they hold up?
Yes. The instruments are designed for field medical use, including training environments. However, instruments used in skills training should be clearly separated from mission-ready instruments to prevent training wear from degrading operational readiness. Designate a training kit and a mission kit if volume allows.
Is the R-SICK compatible with other NAR procedure kit disposables?
Yes. The R-SICK provides the reusable instrument platform; procedure-specific disposables (e.g., BAC-Pack tubes, HyFin chest seals) are carried separately and work alongside the R-SICK instruments. Build your complete surgical kit by pairing the R-SICK with applicable NAR procedure kits for your scope of practice.
What is the NSN for the R-SICK?
NSN listings for the R-SICK can be confirmed through North American Rescue's procurement documentation or via MED-TAC International's government sales team. Contact us directly for current NSN, CAGE code, and contract vehicle availability for your procurement.
How do I maintain sterility of instruments in the R-SICK during extended operations?
Follow the IFU for each instrument. In field conditions, use available disinfection methods (chlorhexidine wipe-down, autoclave if available at Role 2+). Wrap instruments in sterile drapes when preparing for a procedure. Track instrument sterility status with date-of-last-sterilization notes on the case lid.
