What problem does the NAR Tracheostomy Kit with Bougie Introducer solve?
The kit directly addresses tube misplacement — one of the most common complications of surgical cricothyroidotomy. In a trauma scenario with a blood-filled surgical field, accurately directing a tracheostomy tube through a small cricothyroid membrane incision without visual confirmation is technically challenging. The pre-integrated bougie provides a tactile guide: advance the bougie tip into the tracheal lumen first to confirm position, then railroad the tube over it. This reduces the risk of false passage, esophageal intubation, or paratracheal tube placement.
What size is the tracheostomy tube in this kit?
The tube is a 6mm inner diameter (ID) flexible, cuffed tracheostomy tube — the standard size specified by CoTCCC for surgical airway in tactical settings. The TCCC specification for an open surgical airway tube is a flanged, cuffed cannula with less than 10mm outer diameter, 6–7mm inner diameter, and 5–8cm intratracheal length. This tube meets those requirements.
Is this a standalone product or does it come with a complete cric kit?
The NAR Tracheostomy Kit with Bougie Introducer (SKU: 10-0048) is primarily a tube component — it includes the cuffed tracheostomy tube with pre-integrated bougie. It does not include a scalpel, tracheal hook, syringe, skin prep, or pouch. Providers who want a complete all-in-one package should consider the NAR BAC-Pack (SKU: 10-0052), which includes the tube plus all components needed to complete the procedure in a single organized kit.
How does this tube component pair with the NAR Tracheal Tube Securing Strap?
After the tracheostomy tube is placed through the cricothyroid membrane and the cuff is inflated, the tube must be secured to prevent displacement during CASEVAC and patient transport. The NAR Tracheal Tube Securing Strap is designed specifically to secure this tube in position. The strap wraps around the patient's neck and secures to the tube, providing a dedicated, purpose-built securing mechanism superior to improvised tape or ties in a field environment.
Who should carry this product?
This product is intended for advanced medical providers trained and authorized in surgical cricothyroidotomy — including combat medics, paramedics, emergency physicians, and tactical medical officers. It may be stocked as a replacement tube component or as a custom surgical airway kit component. Given its single-use nature, providers who regularly perform surgical airways in training or operational settings should maintain multiple units available.
Is the Tracheostomy Kit with Bougie Introducer CoTCCC-recommended?
Surgical airway (cricothyrotomy or tracheostomy) is CoTCCC-recommended for the failed airway. The NAR tracheostomy kit supports that protocol with a bougie-guided technique. Specific kit selection is at the discretion of the unit medical director and applicable TCCC/TECC protocol.
What training is required to use this kit?
Surgical tracheostomy requires advanced airway training — typically at the 18D (Special Forces Medic), SOCM, flight medic, or critical care level. Cadaver lab or high-fidelity simulation practice is strongly recommended before operational use.
What is the difference between this kit and the BAC-Pack?
The BAC-Pack (Bougie-Aided Cricothyroidotomy Pack) targets the cricothyroid membrane — the preferred emergency surgical airway site. The Tracheostomy Kit with Bougie Introducer is designed for formal tracheostomy, typically below the thyroid cartilage. Both use bougie-guided technique; approach selection is protocol- and anatomy-driven.
What is the NSN for the Tracheostomy Kit with Bougie Introducer?
The tracheostomy kit is a North American Rescue product. Contact MED-TAC International for current NSN, CAGE code, and government procurement (DLA/GSA) information.
Is the kit sterile and single-use?
Yes. All instruments and components in the NAR Tracheostomy Kit with Bougie Introducer are sterile and intended for single-patient use only. Do not resterilize or reuse. Inspect sealed packaging integrity before use.
