The North American Rescue (NAR) Responder Emergency Trauma Dressing 4" Flat (model 30-0171) is a compact, sterile pressure bandage designed for rapid hemorrhage control in trauma situations. It's popular in tactical, military, law enforcement, EMS, and civilian first aid kits (like IFAKs) due to its low-profile packaging and straightforward application.
Key Specifications (4" Flat version)
- Bandage: Approximately 56–60 inches long × 4 inches wide (elastic wrap)
- Pad: 6 inches high × 4 inches wide (sterile, non-adherent)
- Packaged size: 4.25 in. × 2.75 in. × 0.875 in. (flat, vacuum-sealed for minimal space)
- Weight: About 2.0–2.6 oz
- Other: Hook-and-loop (Velcro-style) closure; sterile; multi-functional (can also sling/swath an arm or secure splints)
Main Features
- Pressure & absorption — Provides effective direct pressure and good fluid absorption for bleeding wounds.
- Simple design — No confusing pressure bars or hooks; uses an easy hook-and-loop securing device. This reduces reliance on fine motor skills under stress.
- Quick-Grip Roll Control — Tabs/system prevents the bandage from unrolling if dropped during application.
- Packaging — Vacuum-sealed flat fold with NAR's Red Tip Technology (red tear notches) for fast, rugged opening. Minimizes kit footprint compared to rolled versions.
- Versatility — Works as a pressure dressing but also for other elastic wrap needs.
It's part of NAR's broader ETD (Emergency Trauma Dressing) line, with the "Flat Responder" variant optimized for space-saving in smaller kits. The 4" width suits narrower limbs or smaller wounds; many users prefer the 6" version for larger areas or added coverage.
How It Works (Application Overview)
Application is designed to be intuitive and memorable:
- Open the package using the red tear notches.
- Place the non-adherent pad directly over the wound.
- Wrap the elastic bandage tightly around the limb with firm tension (starting away from the torso if possible) to apply pressure.
- Continue wrapping to cover the pad area.
- Secure with the hook-and-loop closure. For extra pressure, you can twist the wrap over the pad in some techniques.
- Quick-Grip tabs help maintain control throughout.
NAR provides official instruction videos on their site for visual guidance. Always follow current Stop the Bleed or TCCC protocols, and train with the product—practice under stress is recommended.
