CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint
The CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint by North American Rescue is a compact, carbon-tube traction splint designed for pre-hospital management of mid-shaft femur fractures in combat and tactical environments. Using a 4:1 purchase system for precise traction, it snaps together via internal bungee, weighs under 1 lb, and is widely deployed by U.S. military forces for field-expedient femur fracture stabilization. Key Specifications Specification Detail Manufacturer North American Rescue (NAR) SKU MEDTAC1043 Product Type Traction Splint — Femur Fracture Management Frame Material Carbon Fiber Tubing with Internal Bungee Assembly Traction Mechanism 4:1 Purchase System (small line) Ischial Strap Closure Locking buckle (anti-accidental release) Weight ~1.5 lbs (kit packaged) Patient Range Standard adults through extra-large adults Color Black Use Case Mid-shaft femur fracture, pre-hospital care, combat patient transport Military Use Deployed by U.S. Military Forces Product Overview A mid-shaft femur fracture is one of the most dangerous musculoskeletal injuries a combat casualty can sustain. The femur is surrounded by the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups—two of the largest muscle masses in the human body. When the femur fractures, these muscles contract and can shorten the limb by up to two inches, pulling bone fragments into surrounding tissue and potentially severing the femoral artery or compressing neurovascular structures. Uncontrolled hemorrhage into the thigh from a femur fracture can cause 1–2 liters of blood loss, contributing directly to hemorrhagic shock. Traction splinting reverses muscle spasm, realigns bone fragments, and dramatically reduces the bleeding space within the thigh. The CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint from North American Rescue addresses this injury in a remarkably compact and lightweight package. The frame is built from carbon fiber tubing that collapses and snaps together via an internal bungee cord, allowing rapid assembly in the field without tools or complex procedures. A locking buckle secures the Ischial strap to the upper leg and groin—the same buckle design used throughout U.S. military service for its anti-accidental-release properties. What distinguishes the CT-6 from traditional traction splints is its 4:1 mechanical purchase system. By routing a small line through a pulley arrangement, even a provider with limited upper-body strength can achieve and maintain adequate traction. The system is precise enough for delicate application on pediatric patients yet powerful enough to overcome the muscle contraction in extra-large adult casualties. The result is a traction splint that is trusted by the military, practical for tactical medics, and compact enough to carry in most field medical bags. Clinical Rationale for Traction Splinting Traction splinting is a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and pre-hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) intervention for mid-shaft femur fractures. Application goals include: (1) pain reduction by relieving the stretch on injured periosteum and surrounding muscles; (2) reducing the potential space for hemorrhage within the thigh by restoring bone alignment; (3) preventing further neurovascular injury from displaced bone fragments; and (4) facilitating safe patient transport by immobilizing the fracture during movement. Proper application of a traction splint is a procedural skill requiring training. The CT-6 is designed to be taught in TCCC and first responder curricula. MED-TAC International recommends using this device in conjunction with formal traction splinting training. The compact carbon-tube design of the CT-6 makes it easy to include in training curricula and to carry in medical bags alongside other essential trauma supplies. Application Overview Assemble the CT-6 by snapping the carbon tube segments together (internal bungee guides alignment) Position the ischial strap at the upper thigh / groin crease and secure with the locking buckle Attach the ankle hitch to the foot and apply gentle manual traction Route the traction line through the 4:1 purchase system and increase traction until pain relief is noted or muscle spasm eases Secure the traction line and reassess neurovascular status distal to the fracture Document time of application and transport the casualty to definitive care See also: IFAK Kits & First Aid | Massive Hemorrhage Control | Training Kits & Supplies All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified. When to Deploy the CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint Mid-shaft femur fracture in combat: Deploy immediately after tourniquet application and hemorrhage control to realign the femur, reduce internal blood loss, and prevent secondary arterial injury during CASEVAC. TCCC Circulation phase stabilisation: After life-threatening hemorrhage is controlled, CT-6 addresses the fracture that would otherwise destabilise the casualty during transport — the correct sequence is Massive Hemorrhage → Airway → Respiration → Circulation (including fracture). MEDEVAC litter preparation: Compact packed size (12 × 4 × 3 in.) and light weight (1.1 lb) makes CT-6 practical to pre-rig on a litter or stow in a NAR-4 Aid Kit for fast deployment at the point of injury. Large-adult patients: The 4:1 purchase system generates precise, high-magnitude traction — effective on extra-large adults where lever-based traction splints struggle or require modification. Special operations and austere environments: Carbon-tube construction and internal bungee snap-assembly require no tools. Ghillie-compatible design minimises IR signature during night operations. Training and skill sustainment: The CT-6's bungee assembly and buckle-secured ischial strap can be rehearsed in low-light conditions, making it suitable for CLS sustainment drills and 68W competency evaluation. Tactical tip: Apply the CT-6 immediately after tourniquet placement for a confirmed mid-shaft femur fracture. Secure the ischial strap before applying traction — the buckle system prevents accidental release during movement over uneven terrain. How the CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint Compares CT-6 vs. Slishman Traction Splint (STS): Both use traction cords, but the CT-6 is a packaged-together carbon tube system with an internal bungee assembly that deploys without loose components. The STS uses three telescoping aluminum poles with thumb-screw locks. CT-6 is faster to assemble under stress. Compare traction splints at tactical-medicine.com. CT-6 vs. SAM Traction Splint: The SAM Traction Splint uses a rigid aluminum frame; the CT-6 uses carbon tubing. CT-6 packs significantly smaller (12 × 4 × 3 in.) and lighter (1.1 lb), prioritising TCCC operator carry over EMS vehicle staging. CT-6 vs. Telescoping Collapsible Splint (TC Splint): The TC Splint rigidly immobilises a wide range of fractures but does not apply traction. For confirmed mid-shaft femur fractures, the CT-6 is the indicated device. For other long-bone and extremity fractures, the TC Splint is the appropriate choice. CT-6 vs. Kendrick Traction Device (KTD): The KTD is a legacy EMS traction splint requiring multiple separate components. The CT-6's internal bungee snap-assembly reduces setup complexity and failure points in degraded conditions. Inclusion in NAR-4 Aid Kit: The CT-6 ships as a standard component of the NAR-4 Aid Kit (80-0181-s), reflecting its position as the CoTCCC-compatible traction splint of choice for tactical medics. CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint — FAQ Q: Is the CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint included in any NAR kit systems? A: Yes. The CT-6 is a standard component of the NAR-4 Aid Kit (SKU: 80-0181-s), NAR's comprehensive tactical medic pack. It can also be purchased separately for individual carry or kit resupply. Q: What is the CT-6's ischial strap securing mechanism? A: The CT-6 uses buckle-secured ischial straps specifically selected to prevent accidental release during patient movement. The buckles are commonly used by U.S. military forces and meet the demands of vehicle CASEVAC and rotary-wing MEDEVAC environments. Q: Can the CT-6 be used on pediatric patients? A: The CT-6 is designed for adult patients with mid-shaft femur fractures. Pediatric application requires clinical judgment and may require modified technique. Consult your medical director or TCCC protocols for pediatric traction splint guidance. Q: What is the CT-6's NSN and procurement pathway? A: The CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint is available through North American Rescue's GSA schedule and ECAT procurement channels. Contact NAR or MED-TAC International for current NSN data, CAGE codes, and agency pricing. Q: How does the 4:1 purchase system on the CT-6 work? A: A small line threaded through a 4:1 mechanical advantage system applies traction by multiplying the operator's pulling force by a factor of four. This enables precise, adjustable traction that is powerful enough for large adults without the coarse increments of ratchet-based systems. 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