Let’s talk about my IFAK or the Individual First Aid Kit. This is something I believe every person who handles a firearm should carry around with them. We should be able to save lives, not just defend them. With that being said, let’s review my kit. Please keep in mind that I am not a medical professional and that this article is in absolutely no way an authoritative replacement for actual hands-on training. Please get training first and foremost.
The idea of the individual first aid kit is, first of all, to design it around portability and convenience. You want to make sure that this is on you whenever you are carrying your firearm. That means making sure it is designed around the mission that you are using it for. If it’s an Everyday Carry (EDC) kit, it might be something very bare-bones, and that is okay. It needs to be easy to carry. If you are carrying a heavier tactical load, you may have something on your belt line or your backpack – and these can afford to be much bigger and heavier. Whatever it takes, make sure that you have this on you when you need it.
- Country of origin : China
- Model Number : MA41-002
- - Two Inch patch area across front of pouch. - Wide handle for carrying or rapid removal. - Two D-rings on the back for shoulder strap. (shoulder strap is not included) - Import
- - Tri-fold design. - Multiple pockets and elastic loops for storage. - Double zipper closure. - Addition 2" webbing, with pull-tab for quick/temporary closing.
The IFAK is specifically designed to stop massive hemorrhaging and various other injuries that may occur due to gunshot wounds. One thing to note: You want to make sure that you are only carrying what you are absolutely comfortable carrying and able to use proficiently under very extreme stress. This means not stuffing random objects that you bought online once upon a time and forgot about into your kit only to try to employ them in an emergency. You could potentially do more harm than good. You are trying to do less harm, not more. Do no harm – make sure that you are proficient with every single item in your kit.
Now, what does my IFAK look like? The effect that I like to keep on my main tactical kit is a rather large one. Some may be smaller depending on your needs. I like to over-prepare, but maybe you choose to do differently. In fact, every IFAK is going to be different. Every IFAK is going to be built around a different purpose and proficiency. Bear in mind that this is entirely subjective and just mine. As for my IFAK, I like to use the Condor Rip Away Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) pouch. This thing has velcro on the back. I like to mount this on the very back of my backpack to a MOLLE panel with velcro on it. It has this nice handle that hangs down to grab it with either one of my hands.
- - Tri-fold design.- Multiple pockets and elastic loops for storage.- Double zipper closure.- Addition 2" webbing, with pull-tab for quick/temperory closing.
- - Two Inch patch area across front of pouch.- Wide handle for carrying or rapid removal.- Two D-rings on the back for shoulder strap. (shoulder strap is not included) - Import
This is important – consider that one of your hands may be out of commission in the event of an injury. Your IFAK must be accessible, easy to grab, and easy to reach. This really should be a top priority when you’re designing your kit. As for my Condor Rip away EMT pouch, there are some fancier ones out there, but I just like this one because it is affordable and has some really nice storage solutions. The condor has three different sections for various needs.
Gloves
Let’s dive into what is inside. The first thing in the kit are gloves. You want to have some sort of nitrile or latex-free gloves such as these. I usually like to roll them up in a ball and stuff them in there wherever is convenient. It would be best if you had gloves because you are trying to mitigate the spread of contaminant materials and biohazards. That means not spreading anything onto you as well as onto whatever wound you’re trying to treat – whether it’s you or somebody else.
- MEDIUM-DUTY: Our 5-mil nitrile gloves provide better barrier protection against grease, gasoline, & other petroleum-based chemicals than standard 3 mil gloves. Suitable for extended-duration use.
- SLEEK & PROFESSIONAL: Black color conceals dirt, grease, and grime making it a great choice for automotive shop & detailing tasks, high-end restaurants, and many other common workplace environments.
- LIGHTLY-TEXTURED: Micro-roughened to provide a more reliable grip. Thin construction promotes tactile sensitivity and dexterity- ideal for working with automotive tools and precision instruments.
- LATEX-FREE ALTERNATIVE: Nitrile is suitable for use by those who are sensitive to rubber latex and delivers a comfort level rivaling that of latex. Designed for medium-duty and extended-duration use.
- VERSATILE & PRACTICAL: Commonly purchased for auto repair & detailing, oil changes, mechanics, front-of-house restaurant & hospitality staff, manufacturing, painting, household cleaning, and more.
Trauma Shears
The next item is a pair of trauma shears. You do not want to have to remove somebody’s clothing or your own when they’re bleeding out in a very hectic situation. You need to get to that wound as fast as possible if the clothing obstructs it. You need to remove it quickly, which is the best way to do that.
- Durable and Non-Stick Blades: Made with fluoride-coated stainless steel; these bandage scissors have non-stick blades for efficient cutting through tough materials; high-impact handles for lasting use
- Versatile EMT Trauma Shears: Madison Supply EMT trauma shears are 7.5 inches long; equipped with stainless steel blades and serrated edges for precise cutting and safety during use
- Milled Serrations and Wire Cutter: Features milled serrations for cutting through tough fabrics with a built-in wire cutter for added functionality; designed for use by EMTs and medical professionals
- Professional-Grade Medical Shears: Ideal for doctors, nurses, and first aid kits; these Madison Supply medical scissors are built for professional use in hospitals, clinics, and emergency situations
- Autoclavable and Blunt Tip: Trauma shears are autoclavable up to 143 degrees C for sterilization; blunt tips ensure patient safety while cutting; essential for EMTs,, and other medical professionals
Alcohol Wipes
The next thing to note are alcohol wipes. These are very important for cleaning up a wound site to prevent infection and better see what the wound looks like so you can better treat it.
- STERILE & ALCOHOL SWABS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED - Each Caretouch alcohol pad is gamma sterilized, individually wrapped, and sealed to keep it sterile and to prevent leakage or drying out and perfect as alcohol pads for diabetics.
- SATURATED WITH 70% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL - Our sterile alcohol prep pads are saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol for optimal effectiveness.
- FOUR LAYER WRAPPER ANTISEPTIC WIPES - The 4-layer wrap provides an air tight seal that prevents leakage and drying out.
- PERFECT FOR HOME AND MEDICAL USE - These alcohol prep pads are a must-have for home first aid kits or for regular use to prepare the skin for injections.
- SIZE & QUANTITY - This pack contains 400 medium 2-ply prep pads, each measuring 1.18”x2.36”.
Tourniquets
The next thing that we have is a tourniquet. Tourniquets are very important for stopping massive hemorrhaging wounds that cannot be stopped by pressure alone. These are made for use on limbs (arm, leg, etc.). You do not wrap this anywhere else around you – not on your torso, not on your neck, etc.
Tourniquets are applied between the wound, and the heart tightened down with a windlass. This Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) tourniquet is recommended. They are easy to apply not only to somebody else but also to yourself. That is very important, so please keep that in mind. That may be an issue.
The other one that I really like to use are the soft wide tourniquets. These are another very popular choice. The main reason I do like these is that they do fold up to be very compact. I find that they are harder to apply to yourself, but they are perfect for EDC. These work especially well if you’re trying to save space in your IFAK.
Another thing to note: Please buy all of your medical supplies from a reputable manufacturer and seller. Some of these CAT tourniquets have copies floating around there on the internet. These cheap knockoffs are completely not up to spec with the manufacturer’s original design. The plastic windlass on these can break if they’re not made very well. The CAT tourniquets do an excellent job and are very proven not to do so. I highly recommend going to North American Rescue (NAR) as your primary source for most of your life-saving equipment needs.
No products found.
Sharpie Marker
Next up, we have a sharpie marker. Believe it or not, this is the next thing on my list because you need to write when you applied that tourniquet to yourself or somebody else. This is so that a first responder can reference it when you’re taken to a hospital and have that information to go off as they deal with further treatment of the injuries.
No products found.
Hemostatic Agent or Gauze
Next up, you want to have some sort of hemostatic agent or gauze. I’m using the Celox rapid z-fold gauze. This gauze is perfect for stuffing into an extensive wound and bleeding out quickly and cannot be treated with a tourniquet or pressure alone.
- Celox Gauze Z-Fold is the newest creation from the Celox range; it is very easy to work with and compact.
- Celox granules are bonded onto the gauze, giving the Celox Gauze Z-Fold the same effective technology as the original Celox Gauze roll.
- Celox Gauze Z-Fold is suitable for severe high pressure bleeding & hemorrhage.
- Controls moderate-to-severe bleeding.
- Sterile; single use only.
Chest Seals
Next up are chest seals. Chest seals are an essential part of your IFAK. These are used to occlude any sort of puncture in the chest or thoracic cavity. This is used to prevent tension pneumothorax, the collapse of a lung due to uneven pressure.
You want to make sure you have at least two of these inside your kit because there’s likely an entrance wound. There is also probably an exit wound, so make sure you have at least two. That brings upon the points of decompression needles. Decompression needles can be very useful if you know how to use them to decompress any overbuilding of pressure in the thoracic cavity.
However, I do not personally carry them because I am not trained adequately on them. Another one to note is the Nasopharyngeal Airway or NPA. These are tubes that are inserted through the nasal cavity. They are used to stabilize the airway while a patient is being treated and taken away for further treatment. These come in various sizes or gauges for each individual’s nose. I personally opt not to carry them for that reason and again for the lack of training that I have on them. Remember, not harm.
- Rescue essentials is pleased to introduce the new hyfin vent chest seal Twin pack from North American Rescue, this product sets the standard for the treatment of penetrating injuries to the chest
- Two separately packaged vented chest seals are offered in one unique package for treatment of both entry/exit or multiple penetrating injuries to the chest
- 3-Vent Channels that prevent airflow into the chest cavity during inspiration while allowing air to escape through the vent Channels during exhalation
- Country of origin is United States
Emergency Trauma Dressing
Another essential item is some sort of emergency trauma dressing. These are dressings wrapped around and applied with pressure to any wound directly to help prevent the bleed and stabilize it. These are essential. You want to get at least two like I have here in different sizes. Be sure to get one for limbs, one for an abdomen, or a head wound. Make sure that you have enough of these to actually apply pressure accordingly to whatever wounds you anticipate.
- Crafted for emergencies and designed by professionals: Our bandages provide effective compression in critical situations. High-quality and durable, each bandage is vacuum packaged to maintain sterility ensuring your kit is always ready. They're essential for vehicles, boats, and rural community preparedness, ensuring pain relief from abscess and other emergencies.
- Prepared for Anything Life Throws Your Way: Whether it's for your home, vehicle, or community, our bandages are a must-have in any first aid kit. Their compact and lightweight design makes them ideal for emergency readiness, and their easy-to-use features ensure you can apply them in a pinch. With comprehensive instructions included, you'll have the confidence to handle various emergency scenarios.
- Crafted with You and Your Community in Mind: In the spirit of preparedness, our bandages are not only suitable for personal emergencies but also for community aid efforts. They offer affordability and accessibility that can save lives, ensuring good condition on arrival.
- Emergency Ready: Keep your workshop, camp, and any on-duty location safe with our bandages, designed for quick emergency response and pain relief. Their durable, high-quality design is recommended by professionals, making them a valuable addition to home and auto first aid kits, as well as field packs. Vacuum packaging promises integrity and sterility, ready for when you need them most.
- No Matter Where You Are:Emergency Preparedness Redefined: Elevate your emergency and disaster preparedness with our bandages. Engineered for easy application, these bandages are perfect for emergency self-application or assisting others in distress. To hunting and workshop safety, their rugged, compact design ensures you're equipped for every circumstance, giving you and your community peace of mind.
Tegaderm Film
Another very useful item is the Tegaderm film. This is a waterproof but breathable barrier that can be applied to any wound, especially any burn. It is transparent and allows you to see better what the wound looks like. This is great for monitoring wounds as well as preventing them from getting any sort of infection. It is like a large clear band-aid, and it is also perfect for securing existing gauze or bandages and covering them up so that they are also watertight sealed.
- Provides a waterproof, sterile barrier to external contaminants including liquid etc.
- Transparent dressing allows for continuous visibility to the insertion site.
- Adhesive is gentle on skin.
- Dressing flexes with skin for greater patient comfort
Strips
Another item I like to carry are strips. These are small bandages used to bridge gaps over wounds and help assist with moderate closure of them. They’re not a replacement for stitches, but they work in a pinch to help further close up those nasty wounds. I also think that ruled gauze is a perfect multi-purpose tool in your kit. This can also be used to stuff into wounds if need be or wrap around them, or further secure other dressings by wrapping.
Flat-Pads
I also carry some flat pads of gauze because these are great little patches of gauze to cover the wounds and then be further secured by some other device if need be. Speaking of which, I like to carry some sort of small roll of duct tape or medical tape with me to secure any sort of dressing that I’ve either used, applied, or improvised. This is a very underrated and useful tool to have in your kit.
Tweezers
I also like to carry a small pair of tweezers just in case you need to remove any small minor objects that are embedded or in the way of you treating your patient. Please bear in mind; if you do have something that is deep in a nasty wound, you do not want to try to remove it!
We’re also starting to move into the minor first aid territory of our kits. This is not an absolutely critical part of your kit, but I do think that if you can get away with it, please try to pack some basic essentials for minor injuries. That’s probably the most likely thing you’re going to be treating, whether you’re the range or anywhere else. I really like to carry Neosporin with me, of course. That is what goes on the wound as soon as I clean it to help prevent any infection on a minor wound.
Band-aids
Next, we have band-aids. This is pretty self-explanatory. They are great for minor cuts and scrapes. I also like to carry various assorted sizes of safety pins on Me. These are great for securing dressings in place if needed.
Medication (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Pepto-Bismol, Electrolytic Tablets)
Next up, let’s talk about medication. I like to keep some over-the-counter items for discomfort and pain treatment. One thing to know, if you are giving medication to somebody else, no matter what it is and how safe you think it is, you absolutely need to have their consent. They need to be made aware of what you’re giving them and what the dosage is, and you absolutely are responsible for verifying that they have tried these medications in the past and not had any issues with them.
So first of all, I like to have some Ibuprofen with me. This is simply for inflammation and headaches. Keep in mind that Ibuprofen is an NSAID. It does slow down clotting, so if someone is bleeding, never give them Ibuprofen or any other NSAID.
Next step, for that reason, I do carry Acetaminophen. This is not an NSAID. iI is safe to give to somebody who is bleeding for pain relief.
Lastly, I do like to carry a little bit of Pepto-Bismol just in case your tummy hurts. This is pretty self-explanatory, and as we are rounding out the very end of our kit here, there are some essential accessories that you may want to include primarily.
I like to have some sort of emergency blanket if your patient or yourself has been injured. A shock could create a terrible hypothermic situation, let alone if you were outside the elements. This is still an essential survival item to have on the opposite end of the spectrum. We also want to deal with heat casualties. We want to make sure that we are always prepared for people suffering from heat exhaustion, whether you or somebody else around you.
- Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets - Emergency Blanket,Space Blanket,Thermal Blanket,Mylar Blanket,Survival Blanket.Our durable advanced aluminized Mylar blankets are perfect for civilian bug out bags, go-bags, and home/auto emergency kits.
- Space Blanket Survival kit Camping Blanket (Pack of 4)- Each survival blanket is individually folded, wrapped, and sealed for easy storage and retrieval. They are reusable, waterproof and windproof and can also be used for both ground cover and shade. Durable and advanced aluminized dual-sided Mylar blankets are perfect for conserving body heat in emergency survival situations.
- EMERGENCY USE - Perfect for emergency situations where warmth or protection from all-weather conditions is required. Helps prevent hypothermia and shock by retaining/reflecting up to 90% of a user's body heat. our blankets can help block rain, snow, and moisture to keep you dry in damp, wet, cold, rainy environments
- Manufactured from the best Weatherproof Material : Waterproof and weatherproof foil and Mylar emergency thermal blanket for retaining or deflecting heat. Mylar insert provides insulation and the foil cover can reflect heat back to the body or deflect heat from the sun
- Provides compact emergency protection in all weather conditions: Perfect for camping trips and sporting events. uses are nearly limitless: use as tent footprint, backpack cover, rain poncho, emergency signal, solar oven, shade cover, fishing lure, bird repellent, emergency shelter, sleeping bag liner, ground cover, bivouac sack, wind blocker, arm sling, tourniquet, bivvy, trail marker, water collector, snow melt container and so on.
For that reason, I’d like to carry Nuun tablets, which are electrolytic tablets that you can drop into your water and restore electrolytes.
- Nuun Sport is an Electrolyte-Rich Sports Drink Tablet, enhanced with electrolytes and bursting with a natural, low-calorie fruity flavor. Mix with water for a hydrating beverage to keep you powering through your next workout.
- Nuun Sport Drink Tablets enhance your workout and/or your work day naturally through improved hydration. Keep a tube in your gym bag, car, purse, hiking pack or anywhere you'll want to mix up a healthy, replenishing drink. Gluten free
- Nuun’s Drink Tablets use no artificial flavoring or sweeteners (sweetened with high-quality Stevia only) and are keto-friendly. Nuun Sport is designed with Complete Electrolytes and Non-GMO ingredients for clean, guilt-free hydration.
- New Box Designs are on the way. Your box design may vary, but your Nuun Sport will not!
- Box contains one tube of each flavor: Lemon Lime, Tri-Berry, Citrus Fruit, and Orange. Four tubes and 40 servings total.
That’s my IFAK in a nutshell. My effect may look very different from yours, and that’s okay. Each IFAK is designed around the user’s purposes, needs, and skills. You need to make sure that you’re designing it and tailoring it to yourself. Don’t use what I’m doing as a complete template for yourself. Use this as inspiration for whatever you do moving forward. I really appreciate you all tuning in, and until next time I see you. Be safe!
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
