Which width of NAR Elastic Wrap Bandage should I choose for my kit?
Width selection depends on the anatomical site being wrapped. The 2 in. wrap (0.73 oz, NSN 6510-00-935-5820) is appropriate for hands, wrists, fingers, and feet. The 3 in. wrap (1.1 oz, NSN 6510-01-230-8702) suits ankles and smaller forearm wrapping. The 4 in. wrap (1.5 oz, NSN 6510-01-171-5130) is the most versatile tactical choice — appropriate for standard extremity compression, wound dressing retention, and splint securing on forearms and calves. The 6 in. wrap (2.1 oz, NSN 6510-01-532-6522) handles larger circumference sites: thigh, upper arm, and chest wrap applications.
Are NAR Elastic Wrap Bandages latex-free?
Yes. All four sizes of NAR Elastic Wrap Bandages are latex-free, making them safe for use on patients with latex sensitivities or allergies — a meaningful consideration in emergency settings where patient allergy history may not be known. The hook closure mechanism also avoids metal clips that could cause pressure points or fail during use.
Can NAR Elastic Wrap Bandages be used to reinforce a pressure dressing?
Yes — reinforcing a primary pressure dressing is one of the most common tactical uses for elastic wraps. Apply your primary dressing (Israeli Bandage, ETD, or similar) over the wound first, then use the elastic wrap to add additional layers of circumferential compression on top. This is particularly effective when the primary dressing's securing mechanism cannot provide adequate pressure alone. The 4 in. and 6 in. wraps provide the most useful compression force for wound reinforcement applications.
What is the difference between NAR Elastic Wrap Bandages and the NAR Flat Elastic Wrap Bandage?
The standard NAR Elastic Wrap Bandages (rolled format) pack into a rolled profile with a 2 in. diameter core. The NAR Flat Elastic Wrap Bandage (SKU 30-0308) is a 4 in. elastic wrap packaged in a flat, vacuum-sealed format — similar packaging to the flat ETD — with a depth of approximately 0.875 in. The flat version is designed for kit configurations where the cylindrical profile of a rolled bandage doesn't fit (flat plate carrier IFAK panels, slim pouches). Both versions perform identically when deployed; the difference is packaging geometry only.
Can elastic wrap bandages be used in place of a tourniquet for hemorrhage control?
No. Elastic wrap bandages are designed for moderate compression and retention — they do not generate sufficient pressure to occlude arterial blood flow in an extremity, which is the mechanism required for tourniquet-level hemorrhage control. For life-threatening extremity hemorrhage, use a dedicated tourniquet such as the CAT Gen 7 or SAM XT. Elastic wraps can be used to reinforce a pressure dressing applied over wound packing for non-tourniquet-amenable bleeding, but they are not a substitute for a properly applied tourniquet when tourniquet use is indicated.
