Saline Lock Kit

North American Rescue — Venous Access Consumable

A compact, vacuum-sealed kit carrying every component a trained provider needs to establish a secured saline lock in the field — including the RAPTOR™ IV Securing Device for tape-free catheter retention. Just 1.3 oz packaged, it meets all requirements for U.S. Army Task 081-831-1011 and fits any IFAK or aid-bag side pocket.

One of the most common failure modes in tactical IV therapy is catheter dislodgement during casualty movement and evacuation — and tape adhesion fails precisely when the skin is wet, dirty, or bloody.

What keeps a field IV site secured through a movement-intensive evac?

This kit was purpose-built around that problem. Its centerpiece is NAR's RAPTOR™ IV Securing Device — a dedicated mechanical catheter-retention system that eliminates reliance on surgical tape, a significant advantage in austere conditions where tape simply won't hold. The kit packages two 18G × 1.25″ catheters (a built-in second attempt without breaking into a separate supply pack), a 10cc luer-lock syringe and locking saline plug for flushing and lock placement, a latex-free constricting band, and a clear adhesive dressing that works in concert with the RAPTOR™ to hold the site through evacuation. Referenced in PHTLS 6th Edition (Military) as a field-proven saline-lock system, it meets the complete requirements of U.S. Army Task 081-831-1011, the standard-of-care consumable for military medics and combat lifesavers. The whole kit is vacuum-sealed in a rugged 5.5 × 3.25 × 1″ pouch.

Secured Access That Survives The Evac.

Genuine North American Rescue, shipped from a clinician-founded, veteran-led team.

When To Use It

• context: Tactical medic establishing IV access at point of injury — RAPTOR™ securement prevents catheter dislodgement during casualty drag and extract.
• context: Combat lifesaver for fluid access in prolonged field care — pre-packaged kit removes the need to source individual components under fire.
• context: EMS in austere or high-movement transport — wet and dirty skin defeats tape adhesion; RAPTOR™ mechanical retention holds the IV site through rough terrain evac.
• context: Training for Army Task 081-831-1011 — kit is the standard-of-care consumable referenced in the task requirement, enabling standardized training and evaluation.

How It Compares

Saline Lock Kit vs. IO access: IV cannulation is site-limited and skill-dependent; IO (intraosseous) access offers faster placement in non-palpable veins and does not require the same level of vascular access skill. Many TCCC protocols prefer IO in casualties with poor venous access. See surgical supplies.

RAPTOR™ securement vs. standard tape: Surgical tape adhesion degrades with moisture, blood, and movement — the RAPTOR™ provides mechanical retention independent of skin condition. In austere field conditions, RAPTOR™ is the superior choice. See IFAK kits.

18G vs. 16G catheter for field IV: 18G is the standard for field IV access balancing insertion ease and flow rate; 16G increases flow rate but is harder to place in small or collapsed veins under stress. The 18G included in this kit is the appropriate choice for most tactical IV scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Saline Lock Kit meet CoTCCC requirements for IV access?

A: The Saline Lock Kit provides the components required to establish a saline lock for vascular access in the TCCC Tactical Field Care phase. CoTCCC recommends IV/IO access for fluid resuscitation in casualties with hemodynamic instability; the Saline Lock Kit prepares the access site as specified in U.S. Army Task 081-831-1011.

Q: What training is needed to use the Saline Lock Kit?

A: Peripheral IV cannulation and saline-lock placement require formal training at the 68W, IDC, paramedic, or equivalent level. Combat Lifesavers (CLS) are not authorized for IV cannulation under standard TCCC protocols — verify scope of practice with unit medical officer.

Q: What is the RAPTOR™ IV Securing Device and why does it replace tape?

A: The RAPTOR™ is a mechanical catheter-retention system that secures the IV catheter hub without relying on adhesive tape. In field conditions, tape fails when skin is wet, bloody, or dirty — the RAPTOR™ provides positive mechanical retention through casualty movement and evacuation.

Q: What is the NSN for the NAR Saline Lock Kit?

A: Contact NAR or MED-TAC International for current NSN and GSA contract vehicle information. The kit is available for direct purchase through MED-TAC's surgical supplies collection.

Q: Does the kit include saline solution?

A: No. The Saline Lock Kit includes the catheter, RAPTOR™ device, syringe, saline plug, constricting band, and clear dressing — but not normal saline solution. Saline must be sourced separately per unit medical SOP.