Individual First Aid Kit--What Are Basic Components?

[Bergmeister 45]

I am putting together a medical kit to be worn on a battle belt.  My very local military supply store sells a rather civilian looking first aid kit which I don't think I want.  Besides a turniquet or maybe two and a couple compression type bandages, what else do I need?

[Skillet 1,724]

Based off of what we carry: a 4" Israeli style pressure bandage, a compact form of kerlix (Z pack is great stuff, we carry 2 packs. If you can get the type wit the x-ray strip in it that is a good thing), a roll of good durapore type med tape, a set of chest seals, a properly sized NPA with a condiment sized pack of surgilube, a small bottle of saline solution or sterile water, a TQ, 2 sets of nitryl surgical gloves, a small sharpie, and some 90 mph tape wrapped aorund a credit type card..  Multiple TQs is always better. We don't carry clotting agents because they usually require debridement if used.  

 

Edit: Oops, forgot to add a set of EMT shears.

[LetFreedomRing 5,753]

You can buy one of these both excellent choices, or you can put your own together based of the items that are listed in each kit:

 

This is the one I currently carry and also keep one in my vehicle:

https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/individual-first-aid-kit-ifak/

 

The contents of the Spartan Armor Systems™ IFAK include the following…

• (1) Spartan Armor Systems™ Tactical IFAK Pouch with MOLLE first aid pouch (Choose color below)

• (1) Spartan Armor Systems™ Trauma Shears

• (1) Color matching Velcro medical patch (removable)

• (1) Celox™15g Hemostatic Granule Packet

• (1) Swat-Tourniquet (Swat-T Tourniquet pressure dressing elastic bandage)

• (2) Foxseal Chest Seals (in single package) – or equivalent based on availability

• (1) 4″ Sterile Compressed Bandage

• (1) Olaes® 4″ Modular Bandage (for treatment of moderate hemorrhage)

• (1) Waterproof Medical Tape – .5″ x 2.5 yards

• (1) Pair Heavy Duty Tan Nitrile Medical Gloves (Universal Size)

*** Note, I added an additional CAT Combat Application Tourniquet to my IFAK kits as these can be applied to yourself one handed, in addition to an Israeli combat bandage. ***

http://www.combattourniquet.com/

 

 

https://www.rescue-essentials.com/israeli-emergency-bandage/

 

 

 

I'm planning to get the advanced individual first aid kits AFAK though and replace my current IFAKs with them.  I'll put my IFAKs in the other family member's vehicles.  These already come with a CAT tourniquet but I'll still add an Israeli Combat Bandage to both of them.

 

https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/advanced-individual-first-aid-kit-afak/

 

 

Advanced Individual First Aid Kits (AFAK) by Spartan Armor Systems™

Our Spartan Armor Systems™ AFAK is an Advanced Individual First Aid Kit that includes select contents for dealing with severe bleeding and addressing airway and respiratory issues. Features the 600 D Compact IFAK Ripaway Pouch. This kit is perfect for addressing scenarios quickly and efficiently with the proper products. *We recommend this kit for LEO/MIL and standard civilian use. 

 

Each Kit Contains:

• NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) in Black
• Triton Grip SE Nitrile Gloves Large
• NAR S Rolled Gauze- 4.5 x 4.1 yards
• NAR Emergency Trauma Dressing- 4" (FLAT)
• Hyfin Vent Compact Chest Seal Twin Pack
• Rusch Latex Free Robertazzi 28fr Naso Airway w/ lube
• 5.5 EMT Shears Black Handle
• Survival Rescue Blanket-Compact
• TCCCC Cards
• Sharpie Marker

 

 

[Skillet 1,724]

On the med tape you want at least 1" wide, 2" is better. the 1/2" sometimes doesn't give you much to work with if you have to improvise a seal.

[RevRifleman 1,512]

I have some quick clot, basic gauze for packing, roll bandage (sticky and non), nasal tube w/ lube, sheers, burn ointment, saline solution, chest seals, assortment of different sized bandages, bottle of assorted otc stuff including stuff for acid reflux haha, as well as some ziplock baggies that can also be used as a seal in a pinch, gloves, and 2 tourniquets in my IFAK.  I carry 2 more tourniquets elsewhere as I try to carry one for each limb.  I have a suture kit in my assault pack.  

 

[LetFreedomRing 5,753]

Also remember it is called an INDIVIDUAL First Aid Kit for a reason, it is to be used on you if you need it.  Other members should each have an IFAK of their own to be used on them if need be.  If you have a certified EMT, Paramedic, Nurse or better in your group, everyone should kick in to get them a kickass advanced medical trauma kit that is for use on everyone in the group.  Something that includes some basic surgical and suturing equipment and supplies.

 

https://mymedic.com/collections/first-aid-kits/products/recon-first-aid-kit

 

https://mymedic.com/collections/first-aid-kits/products/the-stitch-kit

 

[Skillet 1,724]

1 minute ago, RevRifleman said:

I have a suture kit in my assault pack.  

 

We kicked around carrying them but decided against it. The reason being is wound closure really needs to be done in a controlled environment.  As it stands right now we're leaning more towards a wet to dry wound closure protocol whenever possible.

 

One thing we do carry in all of our packs is a 30" SAM splint folded in half and more 90 mph tape.  The guy carrying the aidbag has the normal assorted kits (I/O, chest, bleed, cric, etc..) plus a full roll of saran wrap for abdominal wounds and large burns.

[LetFreedomRing 5,753]

6 minutes ago, Skillet said:

 

We kicked around carrying them but decided against it. The reason being is wound closure really needs to be done in a controlled environment.  As it stands right now we're leaning more towards a wet to dry wound closure protocol whenever possible.

 

One thing we do carry in all of our packs is a 30" SAM splint folded in half and more 90 mph tape.  The guy carrying the aidbag has the normal assorted kits (I/O, chest, bleed, cric, etc..) plus a full roll of saran wrap for abdominal wounds and large burns.

 

 

Agree but they are good for the advanced medically trained personnel back at base camps.  Yes you just want to stabilize someone and get them the hell back to camp ASAP where they can be treated further and cared for properly. 

[RevRifleman 1,512]

1 minute ago, Skillet said:

 

We kicked around carrying them but decided against it. The reason being is wound closure really needs to be done in a controlled environment.  As it stands right now we're leaning more towards a wet to dry wound closure protocol whenever possible.

 

One thing we do carry in all of our packs is a 30" SAM splint folded in half and more 90 mph tape.  The guy carrying the aidbag has the normal assorted kits (I/O, chest, bleed, cric, etc..) plus a full roll of saran wrap for abdominal wounds and large burns.

 

I keep it in my assault pack rather than my IFAK for that reason.  It is there just in case, but, hopefully things don't get to the point that it is ever needed.  Other methods should be sufficient to control things. 

 

I have duct tape as well.  In multiple locations, haha.  Never did get any splints.  Figure there will be enough urban debris or other options to pick up along the way rather than carrying the extra weight.  But, hey, we know what happens with assumptions haha.  

[Skillet 1,724]

1 minute ago, RevRifleman said:

Never did get any splints.  Figure there will be enough urban debris or other options to pick up along the way rather than carrying the extra weight.  But, hey, we know what happens with assumptions haha.

 

I kind of fell in love with the SAM splint first time I had to use one. You don't have to mess with improvising padding and you can actually pre-form it to reduces the amount of injury manipulation you have to perform to splint a break. If you fold it flat and in half it fits nice and compact inside of most small packs.   

[LetFreedomRing 5,753]

12 minutes ago, Skillet said:

 

I kind of fell in love with the SAM splint first time I had to use one. You don't have to mess with improvising padding and you can actually pre-form it to reduces the amount of injury manipulation you have to perform to splint a break. If you fold it flat and in half it fits nice and compact inside of most small packs.   

 

Remember Skillet, this is a visual medium and world we live in.  

 

https://www.sammedical.com/products/sam-splint

 

 

[Skillet 1,724]

1 minute ago, LetFreedomRing said:

 

Remember Skillet, this is a visual medium and world we live in.  

 

https://www.sammedical.com/products/sam-splint

 

 

Man the quick reference guide and training links are absolute gold:

 

Training link:: https://www.sammedical.com/training/sam-splint-training

QR guide: https://craft-uaoy.frb.io/assets/uploads/spl-507-card-7.pdf