First Aid Kits / Med Packs - IFAK

by Forces Tactical

First aid kits need to be able to treat everything from minor bumps and knocks to major trauma – it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make a kit that caters for absolutely everything (unless you’re planning on taking a fully stocked ambulance) so aim to pack light and consider the situations you are more likely to encounter.

Transparent, zip-loc type bags and IFAK pouches that open to show all of their contents can make all the difference in an emergency situation (in addition to knowing where things are and, more importantly, how to use them!)

As a guide, you won’t go too far wrong by packing the below:

  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Plaster pack for small/medium cuts and grazes
  • Non-adherent dressing pads for larger wounds
  • Medical tape (like micropore/transpore)
  • Tweezers to remove splinters/stings
  • Antihistamines to treat allergies/bites/stings
  • Blister pack for... well, blisters
  • Pack of tissues for nosebleeds
  • Paracetamol
  • Aspirin

For more dangerous environments, add a set of tuff cut shears, gloves, a pen light, permanent/waterproof marker and think about adding the following:

If you’re dealing with tricky terrain, consider what you’ll need to treat a broken arm/leg/ankle. Pack a couple of Sam Splints - soft, malleable aluminium strips sandwiched in foam that can be formed into a splint to suit an injury (form it first before using on a casualty). You’ll want to add a couple of triangular bandages to your kit too.

Where there is a chance of suffering from a major bleed or amputation (forestry operations, military patrols, off-roading etc.), you’ll want to pack a CAT (combat application tourniquet) or two (or three) and a couple of trauma dressings/FFDs (Celox dressings are impregnated with clotting compound). Make sure you know how to use the kit, it’s easily accessible (bear in mind that you may be partially incapacitated if you have to treat yourself) and how/where to apply direct/indirect pressure to control a major bleed.

Other things to consider (for example, for an overnighter or longer period away):

  • Burn kit (unless you’re on hard routine, chances are you’ll be boiling water/cooking)
  • Something to make you “go” - Laxatives
  • Something to stop you from “going” – Antidiarrheals
  • Ibuprofen
  • Space blanket

Use the card below (scaled to fit on A5/A6) to keep track of your kit, expiry/inspection dates and for making notes:

IFAK-checklist-ForcesTactical

 Print out the checklist and either laminate it or use one of our Nirex folders

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