Needle decompression is the first-line field intervention for suspected tension pneumothorax — but it is not definitive. When NDC fails to resolve respiratory distress, or when prolonged casualty care anticipates re-accumulation or hemothorax requiring drainage, the escalation is a chest tube.
What carries the full thoracostomy procedure in one grab-ready pouch?
This kit assembles the complete procedural set for chest tube thoracostomy at the point of injury or en route — skin prep, incision, blunt dissection, tube placement, one-way valve, and closure — in a single vacuum-sealed pouch that integrates into a crash cart, aid bag, or medical loadout without additional assembly. Choose the tube caliber your protocol specifies: the 36 FR (83-0007) is the standard field selection for adults needing maximum drainage capacity in hemothorax or large-volume pneumothorax, while the 28 FR (83-0039) serves protocols specifying a smaller caliber. Both share identical procedural components — only the soft chest tube size differs. CTT is a provider-scope skill — see the scope note below.
Provider scope: chest tube thoracostomy requires formal training, competency maintenance, and medical-director authorization. This kit requires a Medical Device Authorization for purchase and is intended for flight medics, critical-care paramedics, TCCC-qualified medics (18D, Corpsman, SF Medical Sergeant), emergency physicians, and other providers authorized by their state and agency to perform CTT. It is not a first-responder kit. Deploy only within your training, credentialing, and scope of practice.
Why This Kit
Complete Procedure In One Pouch
Prep through closure — no scrambling to assemble instruments from a general kit.
Two Caliber Options
28 FR or 36 FR soft tube — match the size to your protocol and patient.
One-Way Valve Included
A Heimlich-type valve manages pleural drainage without a bulky chest-drain system in the field.
Vacuum-Sealed & Compact
9.8 oz, easy-open pouch slots into a crash cart or aid bag and stays sterile until needed.
Size Options
| Caliber | SKU | Typical Selection |
|---|---|---|
| 28 FR soft tube | 83-0039 | Protocols specifying a smaller caliber |
| 36 FR soft tube | 83-0007 | Adult max drainage — hemothorax, large-volume pneumothorax |
Both kits contain the same instruments, valve, prep, and closure components — the soft chest tube caliber is the only difference. Select the size at checkout.
Kit Contents
| Qty | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chest tube, soft — 28 FR or 36 FR (per selected variant) |
| 1 | Chest tube valve (Heimlich-type one-way valve) |
| 1 | Protected #10 scalpel |
| 1 | Kelly curved hemostat — 5.5″ |
| 1 | Curved Roch-Pean, sterile — 8.5″ |
| 1 pr | Sterile surgical gloves |
| 1 | Petrolatum gauze — 3″ × 18″ |
| 1 | Gauze pad (2 pk) — 4″ × 4″ |
| 1 | ChloraPrep swabsticks, 3 per package |
| 1 | O-silk suture — 30″ |
Clinical Context
After failed NDC — decompression attempted without sustained improvement
Prolonged casualty care — re-accumulation anticipated over a long hold
Hemothorax drainage — sustained pleural management is required
Across The Thoracic Spectrum
From needle decompression up to definitive drainage.
The Kit, Up Close
When Needle Decompression Isn't Enough.
Genuine North American Rescue, shipped from a clinician-founded, veteran-led team.
Genuine North American Rescue
Sourced direct from North American Rescue.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | North American Rescue |
| SKU — 28 FR | 83-0039 |
| SKU — 36 FR | 83-0007 · NSN 6515-01-706-5310 |
| Tube Calibers | 28 FR or 36 FR soft tube |
| Packaged Dimensions | 12″ L × 7.5″ W |
| Weight | 9.8 oz |
| Packaging | Vacuum-sealed pouch, easy-open |
| Authorization | Medical Device Authorization required for purchase |
| Intended Use | Emergency chest tube thoracostomy by trained providers |
Related searches: NAR chest tube insertion kit, chest tube thoracostomy kit, CTT kit, 28 FR chest tube, 36 FR chest tube, field thoracostomy, North American Rescue 83-0007, North American Rescue 83-0039
All products sourced direct from North American Rescue. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Available Options:
- 28 FR
- 36 FR
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
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