Appendix A: Class VIII Medical Materiel

Itemized list of recommended medical materiel based on the JTS Emergency Airway Management of the Military Working Dog CPG. (K9 CPG:3)

Oxygen Supply & Delivery

  • Portable oxygen cylinder(s) (E or D size for field; with regulator capable of 0 -15 L/min).
  • Oxygen tubing (standard 15 mm / 22 mm connectors and 2-3 m flexible tubing).
  • Mask adapters/animal face masks (canine-specific masks if available).
  • BVM (bag-valve-mask) resuscitator — pediatric/infant and small adult sizes suitable for dogs (one or two sizes that match typical MWD tidal volumes).
  • High-flow oxygen supply tubing and fittings for “blow-by” technique (10–15 L/min capability).

Airway Adjuncts for Basic and Temporary Oxygenation

  • Large suction catheters (Yankauer) and soft suction catheters; suction tubing and portable suction device with collection canister and vacuum capable of veterinary suction pressures. Suction unit with additional tubing/catheters.
  • Large forceps (Magill forceps or equivalent) for foreign-body removal.

Orotracheal Intubation Kit (Table 6 Guidance)

  • Cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT), internal diameters 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm (guideline: typical MWD needs 9-11 mm ID cuffed ETT).
  • Stylets (malleable) compatible with ETTs.
  • Laryngoscope handle with various size blades: Miller and Macintosh blades in sizes appropriate for canines.
  • Endotracheal tube ties (18-24 inch roll gauze as recommended in guideline to secure tube). 
  • Cuff syringe (10 mL) and cuff pressure manometer (if available)
  • Stethoscope to confirm breath sounds

Tracheal Insufflation & Emergency Tracheostomy/Cricothyrotomy Kit

  • Over-the-needle catheters: 14-gauge and 16-gauge, 6-inch (for tracheal insufflation) with Luer hub
  • 10 mL syringes
  • Tracheostomy tubes-size -10 mm and 11 mm internal diameter
  • Emergency tracheostomy/cricothyrotomy kit components: scalpel (no. 10), scalpel handle, hemostats, scissors, curved forceps, dilators, suture material (silk or nylon) for stay sutures, sterile gloves, antiseptic prep (povidone/chlorhexidine), sterile drapes, gauze sponges. Assemble as a dedicated surgical airway tray.
  • Suction tubing and ability to suction tracheal/lung secretions after tracheostomy.

 Ventilation & Monitoring Equipment

  • Portable capnography (ETCO₂) monitor or colorimetric CO₂ detector
  • Pulse oximeter with veterinary probe options (tongue probe for anesthetized dogs; ear pinna / lip for awake).
  • Portable mechanical ventilator or transport ventilator capable of low tidal volumes (if prolonged ventilation anticipated) - settings guidance is in the CPG

Securing, Maintenance, And Post-Procedure Supplies

  • Sterile suture kit (needles, suture materials)
  • Adhesive tape (medical), conforming bandage roll, roll gauze
  • Sterile saline (500–1000 mL) for irrigation and wound care.
  • Sterile dressings, occlusive dressings, transparent dressings for trach site care.
  • Disposable gloves (sterile and non-sterile), face shields, gowns

Dog-specific Items (Emphasized by the CPG)

  • Clippers and blade for rapid clipping of ventral neck and around wounds.  
  • Muzzles (loose-fit short-term muzzle) or improvised muzzle materials and leash
  • Collars/rolled towels/ sandbags to position and stabilize head/neck for tracheostomy.
  • Bite-blocks/mouth gag

Tools For Removal Of Airway Obstruction

Large forceps/hemostats, Magill forceps, suction (Yankauer), gauze, oral spatula.   

Pharmaceuticals Required During Airway/Emergency Procedures

NOTE: The CPG notes sedation/anesthesia may be necessary - local veterinary guidance/consultation required before drug use by HCPs.

  • Local anesthetic (Lidocaine 1% or 2%) (e.g., 20 mg recommended for local infiltrative anesthesia during tracheal procedures). Supply vials and syringes.
  • Rapid-acting sedative/analgesic agents (e.g., ketamine, midazolam, opioids - only per local veterinary/medical policy).
  • Emergency resuscitation drugs: epinephrine (1:10,000 dilution for IV/IO), atropine, etc. (follow local canine dosing under veterinary direction).

Documentation, Training, and Sterilization Supplies

  • K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Card (DD 3073), Canine Treatment and Resuscitation Record (DD 3074) (CPG references completing records).
  • Sharps container, biohazard waste bags, disinfectants for reusable durable equipment.

 

For additional information including National Stock Number (NSN), please contact dha.ncr.med-log.list.lpr-cps@health.mil

DISCLAIMER: This is not an exhaustive list. These are items identified to be important for the care of combat casualties.