Needle decompression depends on a catheter clearing a chest wall that varies wildly in thickness — and when it fails, a casualty with tension physiology is still decompensating.
What does a provider reach for when the needle isn't enough?
Simple thoracostomy — the manual creation of a pleural-space opening by blunt dissection — is the TCCC-recognized escalation when needle decompression has failed in a provider's hands. Unlike a needle, it lets a trained clinician confirm pleural entry directly and is more reliably effective in difficult anatomy. This kit consolidates the exact components for the procedure into one vacuum-sealed package: a protected #10 safety scalpel, a 6.25″ curved Rochester Pean hemostat for blunt dissection, a HyFin® Vent Compact chest seal twin pack to cover the site in spontaneously breathing patients, 4×4 gauze, a 3-pack of Chloraprep® swabsticks (enough for a bilateral procedure), and a marker for documentation. At 5.28 oz it drops into the respiratory-intervention compartment of a MARCH-organized aid bag, a crash cart, or an advanced prehospital kit; the vacuum seal preserves sterility and allows tactile inventory through the pouch.
Provider scope: This is an invasive surgical-procedure kit intended exclusively for credentialed providers operating under medical direction, within their scope of practice, applicable protocols, and standing orders. Procedure indication, technique, and decision-making are governed by your training and medical authority. This listing describes kit contents and is not procedural instruction, medical direction, or a substitute for accredited training.
Why This Kit
Procedure-Complete
Scalpel, hemostat, seal, prep, and marker in one pouch.
Protected Scalpel
#10 safety blade reduces sharps exposure.
Vented Seal Included
HyFin® Vent Compact twin pack for site coverage.
Bilateral-Ready
3-pack skin prep supports a bilateral procedure.
Kit Contents
| Qty | Item | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | #10 Protected Safety Scalpel (PenBlade) | Skin and intercostal incision |
| 1 | Rochester Pean Curved Hemostat, 6.25″ | Blunt dissection / pleural entry |
| 1 | HyFin® Vent Compact Chest Seal, Twin Pack | Site coverage in spontaneously breathing patients |
| 2 | Gauze Pads, 4″ × 4″ (2 pk each) | Wound management and site prep |
| 1 | Chloraprep® Swabsticks (3 pk) | Antiseptic skin prep; bilateral-capable |
| 1 | Permanent Marker, Black, Small | Chest-seal documentation for handoff |
Simple Thoracostomy vs Chest Tube — Decision Points
| Factor | Simple Thoracostomy | Chest Tube (CTT) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster | More setup required |
| Sustained drainage | Limited | Yes — tube + valve |
| Hemothorax drainage | Limited | Effective, especially 36 FR |
| Intubated patients | Preferred by some protocols | Definitive |
| Kit weight | 5.28 oz | 9.8 oz |
Who Fields It
Credentialed prehospital providers — under medical direction
Tactical / flight medics — respiratory-intervention loadout
Physicians / PAs — austere and field practice
Build It Out
Up Close
When The Needle 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 | 83-0027 |
| Dimensions | L 4.5″ × W 7.5″ × D 0.75″ |
| Weight | 5.28 oz (0.33 lb) |
| Packaging | Vacuum-sealed; easy-open |
| Intended Procedure | Simple (finger) thoracostomy — provider-level |
When To Use It
- context: Tension pneumothorax refractory to needle decompression — simple thoracostomy provides definitive finger thoracostomy capability for trained providers when NDC fails.
- context: Prolonged field care setting — thoracostomy kit enables advanced chest management when evacuation is delayed.
- context: TACEVAC with deteriorating chest injury — simple thoracostomy is the CoTCCC-recommended alternative to NDC for providers trained in the procedure.
- context: Penetrating chest trauma with absent breath sounds — complete kit provides all components needed for finger thoracostomy without improvisation.
How It Compares
Simple thoracostomy vs. needle decompression (NDC): NDC is faster and requires less equipment; simple thoracostomy provides definitive pleural access when NDC fails or when the chest wall is too thick for needle length. CoTCCC recommends both be available to trained providers. See chest and thoracic supplies.
Simple Thoracostomy Kit vs. SPEAR device: The SPEAR is a needle decompression device (NDC); the Simple Thoracostomy Kit provides the components for a finger thoracostomy — a different, more invasive procedure. Advanced providers often carry both. See chest thoracic.
Thoracostomy kit vs. chest tube kit: A full chest tube insertion requires a larger kit and is typically a hospital or surgical procedure; simple thoracostomy is the prehospital standard when tube thoracostomy cannot be performed. See airway and breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Simple Thoracostomy Kit CoTCCC-recommended?
A: Finger thoracostomy (simple thoracostomy) is included in current TCCC guidelines as an approved intervention for tension pneumothorax in providers with the skill and authorization. The kit supports this CoTCCC-recognized procedure with all required components.
Q: What training is required to use the Simple Thoracostomy Kit?
A: Simple thoracostomy is an advanced invasive procedure restricted to 68W, IDC, SOCM, PA, physician, or equivalent with explicit medical director authorization. Combat Lifesavers are not authorized for this procedure under standard TCCC protocols.
Q: What components are included in the Simple Thoracostomy Kit?
A: Verify the current contents list in the product listing. Typical components include a scalpel, glove, and finger guide materials for the 4th–5th ICS-AAL approach. All components are sized and selected for prehospital use.
Q: What is the NSN or procurement path for the Simple Thoracostomy Kit?
A: Available through MED-TAC International. DoD and agency procurement can contact NAR for current NSN and GSA contract status.
Q: Can the Simple Thoracostomy Kit be used at both anterior and lateral sites?
A: Simple thoracostomy is most commonly performed at the 4th–5th ICS-AAL (lateral) site per current CoTCCC guidance. The kit is intended for this approach; provider training covers site selection based on patient position and body armor obstruction.
Related searches: NAR simple thoracostomy kit, finger thoracostomy kit, 83-0027, prehospital thoracostomy, tension pneumothorax escalation kit
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.
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
