What is a tracheal hook used for in cricothyroidotomy?
After making the incision through the cricothyroid membrane, the membrane edges must be held open while the tracheal tube is inserted. Without retraction, the membrane tends to collapse inward, closing off access to the tracheal lumen and making tube insertion extremely difficult. The tracheal hook is placed under the inferior edge of the thyroid cartilage or through the membrane incision to retract and maintain the opening, providing clear access for tube or bougie insertion.
How is the NAR Tracheal Hook different from a standard tracheal hook?
The NAR Tracheal Hook is specifically designed for tactical healthcare providers, optimized for one-handed field operation. Standard tracheal hooks designed for operating room use may require two hands, be too large for compact kit storage, or not be designed for the pace and conditions of prehospital tactical use. The NAR hook's design enables the provider to maintain membrane retraction with one hand while advancing the tube or bougie with the other — a key workflow advantage in a solo-provider field scenario.
Is the NAR Tracheal Hook included in the NAR cric kits?
Yes. The NAR Tracheal Hook is included as a standard component in both the NAR Tactical CricKit (SKU: 10-0017) and the NAR BAC-Pack (SKU: 10-0052). It is also available as a standalone product (SKU: MEDTAC0516) for providers who need a replacement component or are building custom surgical airway kits.
Can the NAR Tracheal Hook be used with the TacMed Surgical Airway Kit?
Yes. The NAR Tracheal Hook (MEDTAC0516) can be added to any surgical airway kit that does not already include a dedicated tracheal hook. The TacMed Surgical Airway Kit is available in a 'w/Tracheal Hook' variant that includes TacMed's proprietary hook, but providers who prefer the NAR hook design can source it separately and use it with the TacMed kit components.
How should the tracheal hook be stored in a kit?
The tracheal hook is a sterile, single-use instrument and should be kept in its original packaging until use to maintain sterility and protect the hook tip. In kit storage, it is typically secured in the elastic loop designated for it within the cric kit pouch — positioned in the sequential order of use (after the scalpel, before the tube). At 1 oz, it adds minimal weight to any surgical airway kit build.
Is the Tracheal Hook part of a CoTCCC-recommended surgical airway protocol?
Surgical cricothyrotomy is the CoTCCC-recommended definitive airway for a failed airway. The tracheal hook is a standard instrument within that procedure. The NAR tracheal hook is included in CoTCCC-aligned surgical airway kits such as the BAC-Pack and Tactical Cric Kit.
What training is required to use a tracheal hook?
Tracheal hook use requires proficiency in surgical cricothyrotomy technique, typically taught in Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM), 18D, or advanced TCCC/TECC courses that include cadaver or simulation airway labs. Do not attempt without formal surgical airway training.
Is the Tracheal Hook compatible with the BAC-Pack bougie technique?
Yes. The NAR Tracheal Hook is specifically designed for use in the NAR Bougie-Aided Cricothyroidotomy (BAC-Pack) procedure. The hook stabilizes the trachea while the bougie is introduced and the tube is railroaded over it.
What is the NSN for the Tracheal Hook?
The NAR Tracheal Hook is a North American Rescue surgical airway instrument. Contact MED-TAC International for current NSN, CAGE code, and DLA/GSA procurement information for government orders.
Is the Tracheal Hook sterile and single-use?
Yes. The NAR Tracheal Hook is supplied sterile and is intended for single patient use only. Do not resterilize, reprocess, or reuse. Inspect the sealed packaging for integrity before use.
