Categories
Latest blog
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Rapid stabilization of patients experiencing obstetric shock is essential, especially in regions where access to advanced surgical care or blood transfusion may be delayed.
The Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) is a life-saving medical device designed to stabilize patients suffering from severe obstetric hemorrhage. By applying circumferential pressure to the lower body, the NASG helps maintain blood circulation to vital organs and reduces ongoing blood loss.
Today, NASG devices are widely used by:
- Ministries of Health
- International humanitarian organizations
- Emergency medical systems
- Regional hospital networks
- Medical distributors supplying maternity facilities
For procurement professionals responsible for maternal health programs, selecting the right NASG supplier and determining appropriate procurement volumes are critical steps in strengthening emergency obstetric care systems.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of NASG procurement, bulk purchasing considerations, and supplier evaluation criteria.
Postpartum hemorrhage is responsible for approximately 25% of maternal deaths globally. In many low-resource settings, delays in diagnosis, transportation, and surgical treatment increase mortality risks.
NASG devices help address the critical time gap between the onset of hemorrhage and definitive treatment.
- Stabilization of patients experiencing hypovolemic shock
- Reduction in pelvic blood flow and bleeding
- Improved blood circulation to the heart, lungs, and brain
- Increased survival during transportation to higher-level facilities
The NASG functions as a first-response stabilization device, making it particularly valuable in rural clinics, ambulance systems, and district hospitals.
As maternal health programs expand worldwide, many governments and NGOs are incorporating NASG devices into emergency obstetric care protocols.
The NASG is a segmented compression garment designed to apply controlled circumferential pressure to the lower body.
The device typically consists of multiple segments that wrap around the:
- ankles
- calves
- thighs
- pelvis
- abdomen
These segments are secured using strong fasteners to create consistent pressure.
The compression generated by the NASG produces three key physiological effects:
1. Blood Redistribution
Pressure applied to the lower extremities pushes blood toward vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain.
2. Reduced Pelvic Blood Flow
Compression around the pelvis and abdomen decreases blood flow to hemorrhaging vessels.
3. Improved Hemodynamic Stability
Patients often experience increased blood pressure and improved perfusion.
These mechanisms help stabilize patients until definitive treatment such as surgery, blood transfusion, or uterine tamponade can be performed.
NASG procurement is most commonly conducted by large institutional buyers responsible for maternal health programs.
National maternal health initiatives frequently procure NASG devices for distribution to public hospitals and primary health centers.
Typical procurement quantities:
- 500 – 5,000 units per program
These programs aim to equip maternity wards across multiple regions.
Organizations implementing maternal mortality reduction programs often purchase NASG devices as part of emergency obstetric kits.
Typical procurement volume:
- 200 – 3,000 units
These devices are distributed to partner hospitals and community clinics.
Humanitarian and disaster response teams use NASG devices to manage hemorrhagic shock in emergency settings.
Typical purchase volume:
- 100 – 1,000 units
Regional distributors serving hospital networks may purchase NASG devices in bulk to supply maternity departments.
Typical order sizes:
- 100 – 2,000 units
Procurement planning requires estimating the number of NASG devices required across healthcare systems.
Below is an example procurement estimation framework.
| Healthcare Level | Typical NASG Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rural health clinic | 2 – 5 units |
| District hospital | 10 – 30 units |
| Regional hospital | 30 – 80 units |
| National maternal program | 1,000 – 5,000 units |
These numbers may vary depending on:
- national birth rates
- facility distribution
- maternal mortality strategies
Large procurement programs typically implement phased purchasing strategies.
For procurement officers, evaluating the reliability and capacity of an NASG manufacturer is essential.
Several factors should be considered during supplier selection.
Large health programs require manufacturers capable of producing consistent quantities without delays.
Important questions include:
- monthly production capacity
- scalability during emergency procurement
- factory quality management systems
NASG devices are typically designed for multiple reuse cycles after proper cleaning and disinfection.
High-quality garments should offer:
- strong stitching
- durable compression materials
- long service life
Medical device procurement programs often require suppliers to demonstrate:
- product quality assurance systems
- consistent material specifications
- sterilization compatibility
International procurement programs rely on suppliers experienced in global shipping and export documentation.
Key logistics considerations include:
- export packaging
- lead time
- customs documentation
- international freight coordination
While pneumatic anti-shock garments were historically used in trauma care, NASG devices offer several advantages in obstetric settings.
| Feature | NASG | Pneumatic Garment |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation required | No | Yes |
| Power source needed | No | Often required |
| Ease of use | High | Moderate |
| Field suitability | Excellent | Limited |
Because NASG devices do not require pumps or external power, they are particularly suitable for low-resource healthcare environments.
Healthcare procurement programs require reliable suppliers capable of providing consistent product quality and scalable production.
The TICARE® Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) is designed to meet the needs of emergency obstetric care providers and large procurement programs.
Product highlights include:
- Durable segmented compression design
- Strong fastening system for rapid application
- Designed for repeated clinical use
- Suitable for obstetric and trauma stabilization
This device is suitable for use in:
- maternity wards
- emergency departments
- ambulance systems
- humanitarian response programs
For procurement teams planning NASG purchases, the following information is typically required during supplier evaluation.
| Procurement Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Order Quantity | 50 units |
| Bulk procurement capability | Yes |
| OEM manufacturing | Available |
| Production lead time | 15–25 days |
| Export markets | Global |
Large procurement orders may include:
- custom packaging
- program branding
- training materials
Successful NASG implementation requires more than procurement alone.
Healthcare systems should consider:
Healthcare workers should receive training on:
- correct garment application
- monitoring stabilized patients
- removal procedures
NASG devices are most effective when integrated into existing protocols for managing postpartum hemorrhage.
These protocols may include:
- uterotonic medication
- fluid resuscitation
- rapid referral systems
Programs should maintain adequate NASG stock levels at:
- district hospitals
- referral centers
- emergency transport units
This ensures rapid availability when obstetric emergencies occur.
Healthcare procurement teams, distributors, and NGOs interested in bulk purchasing NASG devices can contact TICARE for quotation and product specifications.
Bulk procurement inquiries typically include:
- required quantity
- destination country
- delivery timeline
- customization requirements
For product details, visit: