individual first aid kits (ifaks)

The individual first aid kit (IFAK) is an excellent item to add to your every day carry (EDC) equipment. Much like a concealed firearm, an IFAK can range in size and contents based on your preference level of what you’re comfortable carrying and using. 

In this post, I’d like to discuss 3 pointers in regards to assembling and carrying an IFAK.

1. Build an IFAK you’re actually going to carry
   
   

I carry a small IFAK in my backpack that I take with me most everywhere I go. I carry some basic first aid supplies, one CAT tourniquet, some sterile gauze rolls and medical tape, and two chest seals. It has enough supplies that I can treat many minor to more significant injuries, but it’s not so large that I don’t want to carry it due to excess weight or bulk. Just like carrying a concealed firearm, it’s no good having a full size handgun with 30 extra rounds if it sits in your safe when you leave the house because it’s too inconvenient to carry. 

2.   Tailor your IFAK to your circumstances, taking into account both the most dangerous and the most likely situations you may face

If I’m going camping for instance, my normal IFAK might also contain bug spray, moleskin for blisters, and similar items I wouldn’t normally carry. If I’m in a situation where I’m at an increased risk for violence, such as a security detail or working in a dangerous area, I may carry a smaller IFAK on my person containing only a tourniquet and gauze for packing wounds. This would allow me to have a more extensive bag that contains more medical equipment while still allowing me to be prepared for more immediate problems with the IFAK I carry with me. 

3.   Don’t simply fill your IFAK with equipment that you don’t know how to use

I’m not saying to only carry bandaids if that’s the only first aid equipment you’re experienced in. There is value in having a tourniquet in your bag or backpack should you come across a subject with a gunshot wound. Even if you aren’t comfortable applying a tourniquet under stress, there may be others there who have the training and ability, but not the tools. 

However, my bigger recommendation is to seek out training on basic first aid and trauma care. Instead of settling for a giant first aid bag of which you can only use 25% of the equipment, expose yourself to the necessary training to begin to increase your comfort and confidence using first aid and trauma gear. In an emergency, I’d rather have someone coming to my aid who is confident and trained with little first aid gear than someone who has a backpack full of supplies with no clue how to use them. 

Conclusion

IFAKs don’t have to look the same for everyone. They can grow and shrink depending on your scenario, your training, and your comfort level. If you have questions, feel free to reach out and ask me at isaac@htlwarrior.com. 

Be blessed, 

Isaac C.