ARS Needle Decompression Kit (14ga) | Field Manual & SOP

How to Guides - Product Field Manual SOPs - Luminary Global

ARS Needle Decompression Kit (14ga) | Field Manual & SOP

Category: First Aid

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

Complete Field Manual - FREE

Download the official step-by-step PDF guide.

📥 Download PDF Guide

Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The ARS Needle Decompression Kit (14ga) is a purpose-built field device used by TCCC- and TEMS-certified personnel to perform emergency needle thoracostomy and relieve tension pneumothorax in pre-hospital trauma environments.

Tension pneumothorax is a leading cause of preventable combat death. Air accumulates in the pleural space via a one-way valve effect following chest injury, causing progressive lung collapse and mediastinal shift that leads to cardiovascular collapse. The ARS kit is specifically engineered to overcome the failure rates of standard IV catheters by delivering a 14ga by 3.25-inch needle and catheter assembly that achieves pleural space penetration in over 99% of adults. Its capless flash chamber provides immediate visible confirmation of correct placement without an uncapping step, preserving speed and gross-motor compatibility under stress.

The kit's deployment system is designed for field readiness under degraded conditions. A rigid, crush-resistant container protects the assembly from damage and contamination inside an IFAK or aid bag. The textured twist top allows one-handed opening with gloved or fluid-covered hands, and the integrated pen clip enables secure stowage in MOLLE loops for immediate access. The radio-opaque catheter remains visible on X-ray, supporting verification by hospital providers during definitive care.

The primary insertion site is the 2nd intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line on the affected side. If that site is unavailable due to injury or body armor, the protocol directs the operator to the 4th or 5th intercostal space in the anterior axillary line. After catheter placement, the hub is left open to atmosphere for continued venting, and continuous reassessment of respiratory rate, mental status, and radial pulses is required until evacuation to definitive care.

Field Application Steps

1. CONFIRM INDICATION: Assess the casualty for signs of tension pneumothorax, including severe or progressive respiratory distress, absent or decreased breath sounds on the affected side, hypotension, and late signs such as jugular vein distention or tracheal deviation. Act on clinical presentation. Do not wait for all signs to be present.

2. IDENTIFY INSERTION SITE: Expose the chest and locate the primary site at the 2nd intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line on the affected side. Navigate from the sternal notch to the angle of Louis, move laterally to the 2nd rib, and identify the space just below it in the mid-clavicular line. If the primary site is blocked by injury or body armor, use the 4th or 5th intercostal space in the anterior axillary line.

3. PREPARE THE KIT: Remove the ARS kit from its IFAK or pouch location. Grasp the container firmly and twist the textured cap to break the tamper-evident seal, then remove the cap. Extract the needle and catheter assembly from the container.

4. INSERT THE NEEDLE: Clean the site if time permits. Insert the needle at 90 degrees to the chest wall, advancing directly over the superior aspect of the 3rd rib at the 2nd ICS site, or over the 5th or 6th rib at the 4th or 5th ICS site, to minimize risk to the intercostal neurovascular bundle. Advance firmly until a distinct pop is felt, and confirm placement by audible air rush and visible flash in the capless chamber.

5. ADVANCE CATHETER AND REMOVE NEEDLE: Once placement is confirmed, advance the catheter off the needle until the hub is flush with the skin. Immediately withdraw the needle and secure it in a sharps shuttle. Do not reinsert the needle once it has been separated from the catheter.

6. SECURE THE CATHETER: Leave the catheter hub open to atmosphere to allow continued venting. Do not attach a one-way valve unless protocol specifically dictates. Secure the hub to the chest wall using tape or a commercial securing device.

7. REASSESS CONTINUOUSLY: Monitor respiratory rate and effort, mental status, and radial pulses from the point of intervention through evacuation. Be prepared to perform a second decompression if signs of tension pneumothorax return due to catheter kinking, occlusion, or dislodgement.

Equip Yourself: ARS® Needle Decompression 14ga

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

View Product

LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.