What is a suprapubic catheterization and when is it used in the field?
Suprapubic catheterization is a procedure to insert a urinary catheter directly through the abdominal wall into the bladder, bypassing the urethra. It is used in Prolonged Field Care (PFC) when a casualty has urethral trauma, obstruction, or compromise that prevents standard transurethral catheter insertion — commonly seen with pelvic blast injuries or penetrating urethral trauma. It allows bladder decompression and ongoing urinary drainage during extended evacuation.
What are the complete contents of the NAR Suprapubic Catheterization Kit (SKU: 83-0021)?
The kit contains: 1× Protected #10 Scalpel, 1× Sterile Fenestrated Drape (18"×25"), 1× Chloraprep Swabsticks (3-pack), 1× 16 FR Catheter Introducer, 1× Foley Catheter (Silicone Coated, Latex, Balloon 2-Way), 1× 10 ml 0.9% NaCl Flush Syringe, 1× Grip-Lok Catheter Securement Device, 1× 18" Urinary Extension Tubing, 1× 1000 ml Disposable Urinary Leg Bag, and 5× Gauze Pads (4"×4", 2-pack). All components are selected to support the complete procedure including prep, insertion, and post-procedure drainage.
How compact is the NAR Suprapubic Catheterization Kit for aid bag carry?
The kit measures 10" × 7" × 0.5" and weighs 8.5 oz, making it flat enough to slip into a dedicated inner pocket of an advanced medic bag or alongside other procedural kits. North American Rescue's mission-packaging approach keeps the footprint minimal while preserving all components needed for the complete procedure.
Why is the Grip-Lok Securement Device included in this kit?
The Grip-Lok Catheter Securement Device prevents the suprapubic catheter from being accidentally dislodged during patient movement or transport. In a field environment, unintentional catheter displacement can cause significant complications including hemorrhage at the insertion site. The Grip-Lok provides a reliable, non-adhesive securement method appropriate for use with the Foley catheter in mobile, pre-hospital settings.
Who should carry the NAR Suprapubic Catheterization Kit?
This kit is designed for combat medics (68W), Special Operations medics (18D), Navy corpsmen, Air Force pararescuemen, and other advanced tactical medical providers who are trained and credentialed to perform suprapubic catheterization. It is not an entry-level TCCC skill — it falls within the Prolonged Field Care (PFC) curriculum for medics expected to manage critical patients during extended evacuation delays.
Is the Suprapubic Catheterization Kit CoTCCC-recommended?
Suprapubic catheterization is a Prolonged Field Care (PFC) intervention, not a TCCC point-of-wounding skill. It is not on the CoTCCC Recommended Items list but is consistent with PFC guidelines for providers with the requisite scope. Confirm with your medical director before fielding.
What training is required to use this kit?
Suprapubic catheterization requires advanced provider training — at minimum, accredited PFC instruction and supervised procedural experience. This kit is not appropriate for EMT-Basic or combat lifesaver-level providers. Credentialing requirements vary by service branch and jurisdiction.
Is the kit compatible with standard aid bags?
Yes. At 10″ × 7″ × 0.5″ and 8.5 oz, it fits the PFC procedure pocket of NAR's NAR-4, WALK, and medic bags. It is thin enough to stack alongside the Foley Catheter Kit without compressing either package.
Does this kit have an NSN for government procurement?
Contact MED-TAC International or North American Rescue directly for current NSN and CAGE code information for government procurement via DLA or unit supply channels.
What size Foley catheter is included, and why 16 Fr?
The kit includes a 16 Fr silicone-coated 2-way balloon Foley. 16 Fr is the standard adult size for suprapubic catheterization — large enough to maintain reliable drainage but sized to work with the bundled 16 Fr introducer and extension tubing included in this kit.
