We’re usually about putting holes into stuff. But today, we cover things designed to treat holes in you.
Well, not just holes in you…but scrapes, burns, cuts, lacerations, and other tragic affairs. Of course, that means we are talking IFAKs.
An IFAK is an individual first aid kit, and today we’re going to cover some of Pew Pew Tactical’s favorite ones to take to the range and on the go!
So keep reading!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Home/Car IFAK
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Best Stop the Bleed IFAK
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Best IFAK for Duty
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Best Compact Kit
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Best Ankle IFAK
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Best IFAK Pouch
Table of Contents
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What is an IFAK?
Like we mentioned above, an IFAK is short for individual first aid kit but these differ from standard first aid kits.
The purpose of these kits is to address the most common trauma injuries that can occur. Generally, a first aid kit is meant to treat bumps, bruises, and small cuts. While many IFAKs are designed to also care for these bumps and bruises, their real focus is on treating traumatic injuries.
These kits aren’t miracle workers and aren’t meant to handle serious injuries for long periods of time. They are more or less there to address smaller, common boo-boos and/or hold you over until the pros arrive. An IFAK can keep you or someone else alive long enough to receive real medical care
According to the Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, some of the most common forms of preventable death are:
- Hemorrhage
- Tension pneumothorax
- Airway obstruction and ventilatory compromise
In the most basic terms, that means bleeding and breathing issues. So, IFAKs should be stocked to address those needs.
Best IFAK Complete Kits
A pre-built complete IFAK is a viable choice for those who don’t want the hassle of sourcing products to build their own IFAK. It’s always a good idea to investigate what a pre-built kit comes with and make substitutions if needed. (For instance, some kits might not have band-aids, so you might want to add those yourself.)
We also suggest adding at least one CAT tourniquet to any kit if it doesn’t already ship with one. You might want to upgrade the scissors, too.
1. MyMedic MyFAK Large Pro First-Aid Kit – Best IFAK for Home/Office & Car
Editor’s Note: Pew Pew Tactical readers get 15% off sitewide at MyMedic with code PEWPEWTACTICAL15.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Standard and Pro models
- Lots of supplies
- Organized into smaller packs for easy use
Cons
- Bulky and large
- Pricey
Easily the largest IFAK on our list, the MyMedic MyFAK Large Pro First-Aid Kit is stocked for just about any first aid situation you might come upon.
With everything from cold compresses to paracord to gauze, the MyFak Large Pro Kit is a one-stop shop for all things first aid. While the standard version costs less (around $282), it doesn’t come with everything the Pro model does. If you truly want an IFAK you can buy and forget about, then we suggest upgrading to the Pro model.
It has over 200 first aid items in it and covers everything from headaches, burns, bleeding, etc. The bag is organized by “Mods.” These are bundled first aid items packaged by use. For instance, there’s one for burns, blisters, medication, and even hydration. This makes it really easy to find what you’re looking for.
While it is on the larger side, it would be a good first aid kit to keep in your home, office, car, or to take along to the range (so long as you don’t mind toting a larger bag).
The MyFak Large Pro includes:
- 1 Pack of 2 Chest Seals
- Glow Stick
- 25′ Paracord
- RATS Tourniquet
- QuickClot Pack
- 2x ZZIPS 2-Pack
- 2x Compressed Gauze
- NPA 28 Med Pack (NPA 28, Dynalube Packet, Gloves, Super Hand Wipe)
- NPA 20 Med Pack (NPA 20, Dynalube Packet, Gloves, Super Hand Wipe)
- 4″ x 36″ Emergency Pressure Bandage
- 2x SuperSkin Bandage Assorted Packs
- 2x Small Cold Pack
- Tool Mod (1 Penlight, Tweezer, Thermometer, Thermometer Sheaths, Whistle)
- Large EMT Scissors
- Cloth Tape 1″x30′
- 1″x 3″ SuperSkin Bandage 20 pack
- 2x Mini Wound Closure MODs (Each Contains: 1 Secure Strips & 1 Liquid Skin)
- 3x Hydration MODs (Each Contains: 2 Hydration Packets, 2 Water Purification Tablets)
- 2x Blister MODs (Each Contains: 3 Pieces of SuperSkin Blister Strips)
- 2x Treatment & Relief MODs (Each Contains: 3 Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 2 Lip Balm, 2 Sunscreen, 2 Sting Relief Wipe, 1 White Petrolatum, 2 Hydrocortisone Cream, 2 Oral Pain Relief, 1 Ammonia Towelette, Friction Frosting)
- 2x Clean & Prep MODs (Each Contains: 4 Antiseptic Wipe, 4 Hand Sanitizer, Iodine Prep Pad)
- 2x Medications MODs (Each Contains: 4 Ibuprofen, 2 APAP, 2 Aspirin, 2 Diotame, 2 Dramamine, 2 Diphen, 2 Diamode, 2 Cold & Flu Meds)
- 2x Burn Mods (Each Contains: 4 Burn Gel Packets, 1 4″ x 4″ Burnshield)
- 2x Gauze MODs (Each Contains: 2 3″ x 4″ Non-Adherent Pad, 3 2″ x 2″ Non-Adherent Pad, 3 2″ x 2″ Gauze Pad, 2 4″ x 4″ Gauze Pad, 1 2″ Gauze Roll, 1 3″ Gauze Roll)
- 2x CPR Shield
- 2x Super Wash
- 3x Space Blanket
- 3x Gloves
- Digital Stay Alive Guide
Alternatively, MyMedic also makes a smaller IFAK specifically designed for on-the-go called the MyFAK Mini.
It’s a more condensed version of the large kit and easily fits in a backpack, range bag, or even a diaper bag. Bonus, it costs a lot less than the larger pack.
Remember, PPT readers get 15% off at MyMedic with PEWPEWTACTICAL15.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you want to learn more about this kit or its little brother size, check out our full, hands-on MyMedic first-aid kit review!
2. RTS Tactical Rapid Deploy IFAK – Best Stop the Bleed IFAK
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Easy to open and use
- Set up for major bleeding
- One-hand deployment
Cons
- Doesn't't have more basic first aid supplies
Measuring 3.5 x4.5 x 8.25 inches, the Rapid Deploy IFAK is extremely compact; but don’t let its size fool you. It comes stocked with all the supplies you’d need on and off the range to tackle any kind of bleeding scenario.
Personally, I prefer a CAT tourniquet so that’s what I ordered for my kit from RTS. Everything comes snugly organized in the IFAK pouch. It’s pretty easy to see exactly what you need when opened.
My favorite part, though, comes from the “rapid deployment” aspect of the IFAK. Unlike other kits, where you might have to unmount it from a plate or backpack, the RTS Rapid Deployment IFAK can be opened while still mounted. Further, it’s unique zipper design means it can be deployed one handed. Considering that you might be using it on yourself, this is a nice design perk.
Laser-cut MOLLE means you can attach to a plate carrier or tactical bag. During tornado season here in Tennessee, I mounted this particular IFAK onto my 5.11 Tactical bug out bag so that I had a first aid kit at the ready should the weather get rowdy. It stayed put and rode our the entire season.
While this particular kit doesn’t come with smaller first aid items like band-aids (a more likely need on the range), if you’re looking for kit that specifically addresses the needs of “stop the bleed” this is it. Bonus points if you’re needing something for duty since this kit is perfectly designed for that.
It is a little pricey – definitely more than your typical IFAK – but for the perks, I’d say it’s worth it.
The kit includes:
- Tourniquet (choice of SWAT-T, SOF Tactical, and CAT)
- Israeli Trauma Bandage
- 3” x 24” QuikClot Hemostatic Gauze
- Vacuum-Sealed 12’Z-PAK Gauze
- 2 Vented Hyfin Mini Chest Seal
- 3M Medical Tape
- Triage Marker
- Glow Stick
- CPR Mask
- Nitrile Gloves
- RTS Tactical Trauma Shears
- Nasal Airway + Lubricant
3. RTS Tactical Rapid Deploy Complete Belt-Mount IFAK – Best IFAK for Duty
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Best for professional or duty users
- Easily mounts to mount
- Can be tossed to partner if needed
Cons
- Doesn't include more basic first aid supplies
RTS offers another unique IFAK that bears mentioning. The Rapid Deploy Complete Belt-Mount IFAK is very similar to the Rapid Deploy IFAK we just talked about above, but comes brings with it an interesting design for those that prefer to wear their IFAK.
The IFAK itself is the exact same as the Rapid Deploy model – down to the same supplies. You still get your choice of tourniquet as well. Again, I opted for the CAT since that’s where my training lies.
What sets the Belt-Mount IFAK apart is that it…well, can easily mount to your belt or even a plate. It features an elastic sleeve that holds the IFAK in place in a horizontal position. This makes movement with it on your belt a lot easier than a vertical set-up.
It’s also designed in a way that you can pull it from the sleeve and toss it to a buddy, should you need to. I was hell-bent on seeing if I could get the IFAK to dislodge from the sleeve – because, let’s face it, you could likely be on the move and the last thing you want is your IFAK falling to the ground.
I ran, I slung it around, I did everything I could and it stayed in place until I forcefully pulled the kit from the sleeve. I feel pretty confident saying that it will stay in place until you pull the kit away from the sleeve.
While this kit might be overkill for most range-goers, those with a more tactical mindset or, again, duty driven, will appreciate this kit and what it offers.
Again, it’s pricey – so keep that in mind while shopping – but if you need something to wear everyday, this is a good option.
4. Mountain Man Medical Yellowstone – Best Compact IFAK
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Loaded with essentials
- Can add on
- Small and easy to carry
Cons
- Expensive
Mountain Man Medical offers a perfectly sized IFAK if you’re in the market for something small, compact and able to fit into a range bag or backpack. Mountain Man Medical offers two kits (Sweetwater and Yellowstone) but we prefer the Yellowstone’s more robust features.
Specifically, it tailors to the trauma market with chest seals, trauma bandages, and even a mini marker to mark times for tourniquet use. We upgraded our kit to include the CAT tourniquet since that is the preferred tourniquet around here.
While it lacks basic first aid supplies like band-aids, Mountain Man does allow you to order extra supplies to stock in your kit if you want a few other essentials.
Everything fits neatly into the pouch and is easy to take on the go.
Yellowstone Kit Includes:
- Black “Falcon Pouch” with First Aid Patch
- SWAT-T Tourniquet (CAT tourniquet or SOF-T optional)
- QuikClot Combat Hemostatic Gauze
- Hyfin Compact Twin Chest Seal
- North American Rescue Mini Emergency Trauma Bandage
- Large Nitrile Gloves
- Trauma Shears
- Mini Marker
- 2x Gauze Roll Bandage 2-inch x 4-yards
- 1 Elastic Wrap Bandage Hook/Loop Self-Closure – 2-inch x 5-yards
You can read our full review of the Sweeteater and Yellowstone IFAKs here!
5. Dark Angel Medical Ankle Kit – Best Ankle IFAK
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Slim and compact
- Easy to wear on the ankle
Cons
- Only the basics, no extras
Carrying a MOLLE-mounted IFAK can be tough to accomplish in jeans and a T-shirt. You might get some looks about it. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry an IFAK. You just need to be smart about it.
The Dark Angel Medical Ankle Kit is how you beat the glares. This kit gives you the basics for a traumatic wound, including a CAT TQ, a chest seal, Quickclot, and a compression bandage in a hand-dandy kit that wraps around your ankle.
This ensures it’s concealed, although skinny jeans probably won’t work with the ankle kit. Toss it under your jeans and hit the ground running. Every day, you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.
The Dark Angel Ankle Kit includes:
- 1 package of Hemostatic Gauze: (QuikClot Bleeding Control Dressing or ChitoGauze XR Pro)
- 1 Pair of Nitrile Gloves
- 1 H&H Mini Compression Bandage
- 1 Pair of Hyfin Vent Compact Chest Seals
- 1 Tourniquet (CAT Gen 7, Black is standard with option to substitute SOFTT-W, Black at no additional cost)
6. Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog Medical Kit – Best for Pets
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Pros
- Works for pets and people
- Includes leash
Cons
- Bulky
- Doesn't include collapsible bowl
It’s not uncommon to take your favorite pup on adventures, hikes, and more. If this applies to you, then you might need to consider first-aid goodies for your best friend.
Dogs on the trail can’t always be treated with your normal medical gear, and Adventure Medical Kit makes an adventure kit for both of you.
The Me and My Dog Medical Kit includes the basic medical gear that works for you or the pup.
On top of that, you get a spare leash, a Pet First Aid Manual, a tick remover, a cold press, a bandage that can double as a muzzle, and more that make it well suited for use on a dog.
It’s a simple setup that doesn’t pack the goods for a gunfight or serious traumatic injury, so you might want to add a TQ for you and a TacMed K9 TQ for your pup.
I’d also add a collapsible bowl for water for your good boy or girl — and some treats, of course.
The kit Includes:
- 5x 1″ x 3″ Bandages
- 2x Knuckle Fabric
- 3x Butterfly Adhesive Bandages
- 2x Sterile Gauze Dressing, 2″ x 3″
- Conforming Gauze Banage, 2″
- Medical Tape
- Elastic Bandage, 2″
- Irrigation Syringe
- Saline Wound & Eye Wash
- 1 Pair Nitrile Gloves
- 3x Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- 6x Antispetic Wipe
- Moleskin (14 pieces)
- 2x Alcohol Swabs
- Traingular Bandage
- Instant Cold Compress
- 3x Safety Pins
- EMT Shears
- Tick & Splinter Forceps
- 5′ Nylon Leash
- Hydrogen Peroxide (to induce vomiting)
- Emeergency Blanket
- 2x Aspirin
- 2x Anithistimine
- Wilderness & Travel Medicine Booklet
- Pet First Aid Manual
Best IFAK Pouches
If you’re interested in building your own kit, we have some suggestions on pouches and supplies to get you started!
BFG Trauma Kit Now Micro – Best IFAK Pouch
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Modern
- Can wear on a belt
Cons
- On the smaller side
- Pricey
Another favorite and one of the most modern kits is the BFG Trauma Kit. It’s a nice pouch, so you can fit a lot of goods in this kit, and it won’t give up on you.
The Trauma Kit Now Micro can easily slip onto your belt, making it great for range days!
You can stock the must-have essentials, and since it’s on you, you don’t have to fumble in a range bag to get what you need.
3. Blackhawk S.T.R.I.K.E First Aid Pouch – Best Budget Pouch
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Pros
- Great for a range bag
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Easy-to-organize kit that doesn't have a removable aspect to it
The S.T.R.I.K.E Pouch is an affordable design that’s very simple but excels in organization. The inside sports two internal dividers and a lot of elastic bands for simple and secure storage of medical items.
The S.T.R.I.K.E pouch hinges open, and the bottom of the pouch doesn’t just flap in the wind. Everything is easily accessible and straightforward to use.
This is my go-to range bag IFAK — it can squeeze in a lot of gear.
The design is well thought out, and if you want an easy-to-organize kit that doesn’t have a removable aspect to it, the S.T.R.I.K.E Pouch is for you.
Best IFAK Supplies
Tourniquets
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Bleeding was one of the most common battlefield deaths before an IFAK. Your body is just a giant meat sack of blood, and in general, you want to keep as much blood in your body as possible.
The Modern Tactical Tourniquet has saved more lives on the battlefield than any other medical tool.
Tourniquets can go around extremeties like arms and legs and help stop blood flow in the event of catastrophic bleeding. They buy you time to get to a hospital where the pros can intervene.
There are various kinds of tourniquets but the easiest to use, in our opinion, are CAT tourniquets.
Unfortunately, since they became so popular, a lot of low-quality clones arrived on the market. These clones are not built to any real standard and won’t help you if things go bad. Remember, your life is not worth saving a few bucks on, so buy the best.
We also suggest putting a Sharpie in your kit too so you can note the time it was used.
We go over myths, proper usage, our favorite tourniquets, and the best tourniquet holders in our Best Tourniquets article.
Hemostatic Agents
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Hemostatic agents have evolved a lot in the last few years and have gone from burning-based powder to the more comfortable, more effective, and safer Combat Gauze.
I don’t suggest powdered QuikClot anymore, but QuikClot combat gauze is a must-have. These aid in hemorrhage control and helps the blood clot.
QuickClot has some different sizes and designs available at very affordable prices.
Israeli Bandage
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The Israeli bandage is called a lot of things, but the original name is the most well-known.
These bandages are revolutionary when it comes to hemorrhage control and compression. Once you shove a wound full of hemostatic gauze, what do you do?
You keep it in there with this Trauma Wound Dressing.
It’s a sterile dressing with an elastic bandage and a pressure applicator that puts 30 pounds of pressure on a wound. The Israeli Bandage incorporates a closure bar, which makes it easy to ensure the bandage stays in place.
It’s really easy to apply, and the user can apply it to themselves with a single arm. A quick YouTube tutorial is all that’s needed to learn to use this simple bandage. It’s a must-have.
You can read more about these in our article on Israeli Bandages!
Chest Seal
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Sucking chest wounds are another common and preventable killer.
Long-term treatment of a sucking chest wound is dealt with at a hospital, but you can help prevent damage and save a life by treating a sucking chest wound as quickly as possible.
A sucking chest wound occurs when there is a hole in the chest that creates a new and not needed airway into the chest. You don’t need or want extra air in the chest, and too much extra air will collapse a lung.
To treat a sucking chest wound, you need to keep the air from getting in and hopefully let the air out. There are quite a few well-made chest seals out there, and they come in a wide variety of sizes.
These things work very well and will stick and adhere to the body very well. Even when you are soaked in sweat, hair, and dirt, it’s not an issue.
Burn Gel
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Treating big burns requires more than an IFAK can carry, but small burns along the body can be treated, and pain can be relieved significantly by a quick-acting and well-equipped first responder.
Burn gel is the key to helping reduce pain and treat a burn. We carried a big packet of burn gel in our IFAKs by a company called Water Jel.
First, it’s non-adhesive, which is critical for treating a burn. It also stops the burning process immediately. These dressings save the skin and reduce the injury profile. It also relieves pain and keeps the area from becoming contaminated.
Nitrile Gloves
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you are providing first aid, I also recommend you keep some gloves on hand. Nitrile sterilized gloves in a bag are a simple and cheap addition to any IFAK…bring a few sets.
Gloves keep you from being exposed to contaminants and prevent you from potentially infecting your patient.
Small Boo Boos
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For the little wounds, I suggest a tiny kit like the Coleman which comes with band-aids and ointments to deal with minor injuries.
These, again, aren’t designed to save lives but to make life more comfortable. If you are lucky, this is the only part of your kit you’ll ever need.
Meds
We also suggest stocking things like Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Tums, and Benadryl since those are the most commonly used meds you’ll find you need.
Flashlight
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I’d go with something small and simple. I used to carry a Streamlight Stylus as a penlight, and it’s an excellent choice. But I recently moved to a headlamp. A headlight lets me keep things hands-free, which may be a necessary consideration.
For everyday carry lights, you’ll want one of the 5 Best EDC Flashlights we reviewed.
Trauma Shears
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Cut through clothes with ease! Trauma shears are great for a variety of tasks. They are large, which makes them a bit bulky for very small kits, but for hiking or bug-out bags, I’d pack some.
Large Tweezers
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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From splinter to infectious materials, a pair of tweezers is a great thing to have. It makes it easy to precisely pull stuff out of where it shouldn’t be.
How We Chose the Best IFAK Pouches & Kits
The IFAKs recommended are ones that we’ve used personally or tested over an extended period of time. In some instances, we may recommend items or products that we haven’t had hands-on time with but have researched extensively and can confidently vouch for.
When evaluating IFAKs, we look for ones that offer a good variety of first aid supplies, unique features, durability, ease of carry, and overall value.
Recommendations are based on the experiences of our staff — which range from U.S. Marine Corps veterans to American Heart Association-trained Basic Life Support instructors.
Meet the Experts
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike was our lead on this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. In the middle of his Marine Corps career, he began writing and never stopped. He has thousands of articles in his name and a variety of publications, including Pew Pew Tactical. In addition to a long history of testing and reviewing guns and gear, Travis is also a concealed carry instructor and carries an IFAK every time he visits the range.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers and added to this review. Jacki has been a certified American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor for over 2 decades and has completed American Heart Association CPR/AED & First Aid training. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
IFAKs have become pretty popular and we recommend everyone have one — especially if you are carry a gun or head to the range.
Toss one on your range bag or stick one in your car. No matter where you go, you’ll be ready should you need it!
Do you or would you carry an IFAK, or am I paranoid? Let me know below. Also, check out our list Check out our list of the Best First Aid Classes to find the best training near you!
Latest Updates
- June 2025: Removed North American Rescue I-ROK Kit. Added RTS Tactical Rapid Deploy IFAK & Complete Belt-Mount Kit. Updated each IFAK recommendation with more info.
- December 2024: All products have been updated to match current pricing. Replaced the Busnhell 500L 2-pack headlamp with the updated Bushnell 500L Rubicon Series headlamp.
- November 2023: We updated this list to remove the NAR Rescue Squad kit and Rescue Essentials kit.
34 Leave a Reply
Shame on you, PewPew Tactical.
You’ve done far more harm than good.
Most of the kits you recommend contain a worthless bunch of garbage made on China that won’t work, will fall apart with a few months age (faster in heat or cold) — and is worthless to sort through when seconds count.
IFAK are not for bandaids and tweezers.
They should contain only the essential MARCH supplies that will sustain life until EMS arrives.
You missed the most essential truth: getting a IFAK begins with competent training — and, as much as I hate recommending the dinosaurs of the desert, the only course I’ve found to be adequate is Gunsite Academy's “Tactical Medicine” course. Until that course is taken, an IFAK is likely to be of limited use.
In other words, the most important part of an IFAK isn’t something you can purchase online.
Hey Chris, we do recommend training and actually link out to an article I wrote about where to find first aid training for all budgets and learning levels. As for the kits, I've tried out many of the ones listed and as an American Heart Association BLS Instructor with over 2 decades teaching first aid and CPR, I think these kits get the job done and have most of what you need should something happen. That said, appreciate the feedback!
another vote for the gel burn dressings, takes away the pain immediately.
Anybody have experience with the med mags? Seems like a good idea but I don’t see a lot of people with them.
I keep IFAKs ready at home, in my car, and in my work bag. Each contains a tourniquet, Israeli bandage, 4x4 gauze pads, a pair of nitrile gloves, trauma shears, individual packets of Tylenol, benadryl, and Imodium, band-aids, and triple antibiotic ointment. I've found that Vertx Overflow small and medium velcro pouches hold all these items nicely.
Rule # 1: At the worst time possible in your defense encounter by you or someone else being wounded or you encounter other injury trauma, your thoughts should not be "I left the F^&kLȆ first aid kit at home!" or "Where is the F^&kLȆ first aid kit?". Unless its the bad guy wounded, then your thoughts should be along the lines of "What first aid kit? He was going to kill me, he should have bought his own first aid kit."
Rule # 2: Remember Rule # 1 and plan accordingly.
Why no mention of Refuge Medical? All American-Made and high quality products, plus amazing training courses through Refuge Training. Guaranteed for life and they'll replace anything you use to save a life for free!
The Wilderness First Responders course might be the best overall course I have ever taken. Add Stop The Bleed and you will be in great shape.
Great article! As a Nationally and AZ certified EMT, I recommend that everyone check out stopthebleed.org for an online instructional video course before attempting to use a tourniquet. There are also local courses available if you learn better on the ground. The course teaches how to stop traumatic bleeding using pressure and torniquets will no frills or bs. If you're going to carry chest seals, Hyfin are the best. I personally carry at least 4 sets of two chest seals. That way I can treat multiple entrance/exit wounds. Given the rate of opiate overdoses, it's also a good idea to carry Narcan (Naloxone) nasal spray doses. In many states, Narcan is now over the counter and anyone can administer effectively with the instructions on the box. Unfortunately, Narcan isn't always at a low price. Check with your local pharmacy for the laws in your state and pricing.
You should have mentioned that carrying a first aid kit in your vic is a good idea just as long as it can be easily accessed location where it doesn't get too hot. Under the seat works but inside console is even better.
Yea, I have one of 3 IFAKs with me just about 24/7, you're not paranoid lol. The one I've used most is a car kit because of wrecks and stuff I've encountered, but I also carry a small on one me inside an big building's, mostly cuz of the mass shootings. Good list though, very thorough.
I do carry an IFAK just about everywhere I go because of all of the mass shootings that have happened.
So many mass shootings! How many times have you actually used your IFAK during a mass shooting? Say once, and I will call you a liar. Say a 10x for vehicular accidents and I will likely believe you more. Guns are not the problem.
interesting they don't list the LAPG med pack. they listed as their favorite in the tourniquet
It's not too interesting really, this article was written by Travis in May of 2019. The Tourniquet article was written in August 2020 by me. Different writers had different opinions and our opinions can change over time as we get the chance to use more gear :D
I like your list. My kit I've carried hunting and backpacking for years was an Adeventure Medical Kit's Hunter Kit (no longer sold) that I upgraded with a SAM Splint, SAM finger splint, and QuikClot. It was such a nicely fitted kit that all I felt I needed to add were those three things. I loved that it came with its own nice set of bags. The larger main kit contained a small kit marked "Trauma" that had belt loop straps that I could attach to my belt, rifle, or backpack straps while keeping the larger main kit in my pack.
No one is ever Paranoid for having an IFAK. you're just being prepared like any good scout. Ive had and "IFAK" in one form or another since I was 16 , now at 66 I've never had to treat but a few wounds requiring stitches and other minor injuries on people around me but always had the tools for the job.
Thank you for your service and the great information.
Just put one together for my wife and I. I am thinking about giving them out as Christmas gifts.
Good write up and read.
This is a really good write-up and goes over the basic components very well. I personally do not like the Israeli Bandage for most applications and prefer simple roller gauze (I work in EMS in a large city). The larger versions made for gut wounds are really nice though!
At the very end of your writing (which was well done) you ask if we/you think you are paranoid for carrying an IFAK. I carry a firearm for preparedness, not because I am paranoid. I also believe that carrying any type of IFAK and or medical kit is extremely sensible. We/you might be the people to pull up on a vehicle accident where seconds count to potentially save someone’s life well before first responders get there. And we all might not be Trauma surgeons but doing something is a heck of a lot better than doing nothing. And if we have the right tools it is going to help. So no, We/you are not paranoid.
The Gunfighters Kit is showing not available on Amazon, and is not even listed on the NAR website. I even tried searching by part number, no joy.
Great article! Only thing missing is the ifak bag dimensions. Most oem ifak bag contents are vaccuum sealed, compressed in a 50 ton press, then run through a hydraulic garbage compactor for good luck. Once you open the contents of the ifak, make sure you have safety glasses on, and duck, as it explosively expands! If you take the Marine issue ifak, add 30% more space for putting the once opened contents back, and adding personal picks like hemostatic gause, and CATS, and bandaids, antiseptic spray, and ibuprofen/alieve.
I was thinking car holster and IFAKs days before you guys put articles on the topics. I already have an IFAK but it never hurts to double check things and compare with other people checklists. Thanks for reading my kind Pew Pew Tactical!
Great information, I'm on blood thinners and still want to fix HVAC equipment. I'll get one for my truck.
Awesome article. Great reference material for getting my IFAK together. Keep up the great work
I am from Texas and the very first item that goes into any survival kit is a snake bite kit. Did not see this in any of the selections. In TX we have the Diamond Back Rattler, Copperhead, Water Mocisen and Coral snake, all deadly.
Correct, there is no mention of snakebite kits in the article. As someone who also grew up in snake country and spent a lot of years hiking in it, I would never take a snakebite kit with me. Snakebite kits are well proven to be nearly useless and in many cases harmful. The US National Libray of Medicine has many great studies that all agree that snakebite kits are the very best completely ineffective and at worse harmful to the person bitten.
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic and the World Health Organization both recommend against the use of snakebite kits. Although the wording is different between they two, they have effectively identical treatment recommendations. Both include clearly stating that you should not cut the wound or otherwise attempt to remove the venom.
We have the same in FL except for the eastern diamondback rattlesnake vs your kind. Yes technically a water mocassin (also called cottonmouth) can kill you but they usually do not inject enough venom. Same with copperhead. And coral snakes you really have to be unlucky to get bit by one. I have never spotted one, and they are not known to be agressive. Rattlesnakes alone however are a very good reason to have a kit. I am not sure how well they work, and I hope I’ll never know.
"Band of Brothers, one of the best shows of all time – period." TRUTH
Great Article
Great article. Always considered taking first aid kit to range but never have. Given me a lot of great choices too. Put something in my wife's vehicle and mine. Can't be too safe nowadays.
Outstanding article-thanks for all the info!
Excellent article Travis! As an Airborne Infantryman, 2 tour combat Vet, Purple Heart recipient, after helping a platoon of Marines ambushed on Route Tampa, and fellow Firearms Instructor, this read was very refreshing to say the least. I love my guns but I love a good trauma kit in the hands of a trained individual near by almost as much! I am always expanding my collection of both and you gave me some solid products to check out! God Bless You, and thank you for your sacrifice for our country!!!
Awesome article! You seem to put out an article on almost every topic I have been considering lately and this one becomes a NO -BRAINER once you actually think about it. I've been coming across a lot of interesting deals on Plates and Carriers- can we get some suggestions from you?
Yes these folks are reading our minds lol