Another "What else should I add to my IFAK" thread

[Black_Sheep]

I have accumulated the following items for emergency wound management. For immediate access the basic necessities will be carried in the HSGI blow out kit pouch attached to the center front of my chest rig. The remainder will go in a USMC IFAK pouch attached at about 10 o'clock on the chest rig. Overkill or reasonable? Anything else I should include for GSW/SHTF scenarios?

(2x) CAT Tourniquets
(2x) Nitrile Exam Gloves
(1x) H&H Chest Seal (2)
(3x) H&H Primed Compressed Gauze
(2x) H&H 8"x10" Cinch Tight Compression Bandages
(2x) 6" Israeli Compression Bandages
(1x) 4" Israeli Compression Bandages
(1x) Nasopharyngeal Airway Tube w/Lube
(1x) 3M Durapore Tape 2" Wide x 30' Long
(1x) Chest Decompression Needle
(1x) Sharpie Marking Pen
(1x) Maglite Solitaire Flashlight
(1x) EMT Shears
(6) Safety Pins

Thanks in advance...

[Arctic1]

I think it looks good and your kit is very well set up for GSW/penetraing trauma.

Only suggestions I would offer are the following:

-Replace the Maglite Solitaire with a headlamp; leaves both hands free for pt treatment

-Add a 10ml syringe, needle and a 5ml (small) bottle of saline to go with the chest decompression needle. Using these makes it easier to verify positive decompression than a standalone needle

-For more SHTF stuff or minor wounds, if you find yourself isolated from rapid EMS response (I'm talking several hours to days) I would suggest packing a spare bag to go in your vehicle or pack, so you can handle the following:

-Bone and soft tissue injuries
-Small cuts (cleaning and dressing)
-Burns
-Hypothermia
-Pain
-Eye wounds

[Black_Sheep]

The use of a headlamp makes a lot of sense in regards to keeping both hands free. I will also look into sourcing a syringe and saline solution to add to my IFAK.

My bug out gear includes a comprehensive first aid kit to address less than life threatening injuries, thanks for your feedback.

[chuckman]

You are trained in these, yes?

[Black_Sheep]

You are trained in these, yes?

I planned to omit some items in the kit until it was pointed out that when wounded, the injured party's kit is normally used to render aid. In the event of serious injury the contents of the blow out kit will be available for use on me, by someone that is properly trained. Right or wrong, that is the reasoning behind my decision.

[Arctic1]

I would strongly recommend that you get some training, in case you find yourself in a situation where you are the one who has to render first aid.

[Hmac]

Comprehensive kit. Do you know how to use any of it?

[zekus480]

A mylar space blanket, I've vacuum sealed the contents of my kit and I made it really low profile.

[Violator]

Is this going to be for fighting or on a training rig? Trying to get a little more info for best advice.

[jstutz]

The chest decompression needle is absolutely useless if you can't diagnose and treat a pneumothorax.

Training is the most important item you can have. Take some basic first aid and work your way up. I had some GI Bill money left after college and used it to fund my EMT cert. I'd recommend it.

[LMT Shooter]

+1 on the training advice.

I've gone pretty minimalist with my set-ups lately, but that's based on my perceived needs & training. Can you be more specific about your peceived needs & whta training you have?

I believe the quote from Pat Rogers is "the mission drives the gear train."