What's inside an individual first aid kit (IFAK contents)?
1. M – Massive hemorrhage
Bleeding was one of the most common causes of death on the battlefield; in general, you should keep as much blood in your body as possible.
The tourniquet is the most important piece of lifesaving equipment in the event of a penetrating limb injury, and probably the best investment in emergency medical equipment for any trauma kit. It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the tourniquet and practice applying it on others and yourself before you need to use it.
Gauze for wound dressing: Effective wound dressing involves forcing gauze into the wound cavity and maintaining direct pressure until the bleeding stops. You can use any sterile gauze or hemostatic gauze (gauze that aids clotting) for this purpose.
Pressure dressings and bandages/Israeli Emergency Bandage: This type of dressing is wrapped around the wound and applies pressure to further restrict blood flow from a penetrating wound by holding the gauze in place and adding more compression. An example of a compression bandage is an Israeli Emergency Bandage, which has an elastic bandage with a built-in pad and clip.
2. A – Airway
It is important to assess airway patency in trauma patients. Unconscious patients may require airway management.
A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a flexible tube inserted through the nose into the pharynx (the back of the throat). It's easy to store and transport in an IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit). It can help keep the airway open in semi-conscious patients with intact gag reflexes. When choosing one, check the thickness and length to ensure it's suitable for you. If it contains lubricant, it will make the procedure more comfortable.
Cric-key is an innovative open cricothyrotomy procedure that allows for the rapid, simple, and effective establishment of an artificial airway in emergencies. It can perform a cricothyrotomy and establish a stable artificial airway in 30 seconds. It consists of two parts, Cric-Key and Cric-Knife, which should only be operated by trained personnel.
3. R – Breathing
Suction injuries to the chest are another common and preventable cause of death. They are usually caused by gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or other penetrating trauma, but you can help prevent harm and save a life by preparing the appropriate supplies.
A chest seal is a smart thing to carry in any IFAK. If you're shot in the torso, a chest seal is one of the primary ways to treat that wound, preventing air from entering and, hopefully, allowing air to escape. If you don't have a chest seal, you can improvise one with plastic wrap or other occlusive material.
A decompression needle is used to relieve pressure from a tension pneumothorax by inserting it into the second intercostal space (the space between the second and third ribs) on the same side as the injury. This allows air to escape from the pleural cavity and restores normal breathing. However, do not use it unless you are trained and authorized.
4.C – Circulation
Recheck your Care Under Fire (CUF) interventions, where your primary concern was to stop any life-threatening external bleeding, and make sure they still hold firm (like TQ).
GlovesIf your sweeping with clean hands brings up blood on your fingers or palms, then you should identify the wound site, expose it, assess it, and take appropriate action.
SplintingAt this stage, if you discover broken bones, then they should be stabilized with a splint.
5. H – Hypothermia
In penetrating trauma, the lethal triad of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy is often overlooked. This traumatic triad of death is recognized as a major cause of death in patients with traumatic injuries.
Emergency blankets are essential; hypothermia or hyperthermia can kill you within hours. You can use an emergency blanket to protect yourself from the sun or cold, or to build a makeshift shelter.
6. Other things
Spray with antiseptic, another way to control germs and infections; it's small and easy to store if needed.
A black Sharpie is perfect for writing the time a tourniquet was applied, as well as vital information about the patient.
A light source allows you to quickly assess a wound if needed. It's difficult to treat what you can't see!
Compatible with MOLLE, a removable pouch that you can modify to suit the needs of your tactical setup.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Depending on your situation, you may need to modify your kit, such as the pain relievers.
Rookie mistakes to avoid:
Wrong team for the occasion.You need the right equipment for the right situation. You should choose an IFAK that suits your needs and preferences based on factors such as size, weight, contents, durability, and compatibility with other equipment.
The IFAK is disorganized.You don't want the gauze falling out everywhere when you open it. You should organize your items in a logical order according to priority and frequency of use, and label each item clearly so you know what it is and how to use it.
Keep the IFAK out of their reach.You should be able to reach your IFAK with both hands. If you must pack it in a backpack, try attaching it to the outside. Alternatively, you can wear it on your belt, vest, or chest rig, where it will be close to your body and easy to remove if needed.
It is not labeled.This is especially important in tactical environments where multiple people may have different types of kits or where someone else might need to use theirs in an emergency. You should clearly label your IFAK so others can quickly identify it and avoid confusion.
Final words on individual first aid kits
IFAKs have become affordable, easy to find, and come from a variety of reputable manufacturers. Knowing that you have a responsibility for your safety is crucial. Furthermore, take time to assess your medical needs, enroll in a local first aid class to gain hands-on experience, and seize the opportunity to survive an emergency.
