MARCH vorgeschmierte Nasen-Atemwege - 28 Fr

What does MARCH stand for and why is the packaging color-coded?

MARCH is the military trauma care protocol: Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia/Head Injury. Combat Medical Systems color-codes their MARCH line of products to correspond with each protocol step, allowing providers to immediately identify the correct intervention during high-stress or low-light situations. The NPA corresponds to the 'A' (Airway) step and is packaged to be visually identifiable within an IFAK or trauma kit without reading text.

Is the MARCH Pre-Lubricated NPA CoTCCC-recommended?

The 28 Fr nasopharyngeal airway is CoTCCC-recommended for adult trauma casualties at the Tactical Field Care level. The CoTCCC guidelines identify NPA insertion as the primary airway intervention for unconscious or obtunded trauma patients who do not have suspected basilar skull fracture. The MARCH NPA's 28 Fr size, pre-lubricated design, and soft latex-free material align with CoTCCC requirements for a tactically deployable airway adjunct.

Does the MARCH NPA packaging include instructions for use?

Yes. A distinctive feature of the Combat Medical Systems MARCH line is the inclusion of basic pictographic insertion instructions printed on the packaging. This design supports correct technique even when training has degraded under stress or when the device is being used by a less-experienced responder. Visual step-by-step guidance is a validated human-factors design feature for high-stress medical device use.

Can I use this NPA on a patient who is conscious?

Yes. Unlike oropharyngeal airways, nasopharyngeal airways can be used on conscious and semi-conscious patients because they do not stimulate the posterior pharynx or gag reflex in the same way. They are inserted nasally and are generally well tolerated. They are particularly valuable for patients with clenched teeth (trismus), seizures, or facial trauma that prevents oral airway placement.

Is the MARCH NPA latex-free?

Yes. The MARCH Pre-Lubricated Nasal Airway 28 Fr is made from soft, flexible latex-free material. This is an important consideration in prehospital care where the patient's latex allergy status is unknown. All standard modern tactical NPAs should be latex-free, and MED-TAC stocks only latex-free NPA products across its airway management line.