Search Results for: IFAK

IFAK – What do you really need?

September 6, 2019 by Juliet Two 1 Comment

Let’s get started with a couple of combat medicine axioms that form the basis of all combat medicine dogma.

Combat Medicine Axiom #1 “Sometimes, the best medicine is fire superiority.”

Combat Medicine Axiom #2 “Good medicine at the wrong time is bad medicine.”

Since the Loadout Room is organized around first line, second line and third line gear, we’ll start our medic posts talking about first line medical gear. The only first line medical gear you need is your IFAK. The trouble is, there are literally hundreds of variations of IFAKs to choose from and everybody has an opinion on what should go in it. IFAK Manufacturer Rule #1 – The amount of shit they try to stuff in an IFAK is inversely correlated to their actual combat medicine experience.

What makes the IFAK useful is not its mere existence. Good medicine is not just about equipment. It’s not simply what’s in the bag of medicine that matters. It’s WHO is carrying it. Using an IFAK requires medical knowledge, simple skills, and the ability to decide when to use it. See Axiom #2.

First, an IFAK is First line gear for YOU. It’s not for anyone else. It serves as YOUR minimum necessary medical capability to save your own ass. It is not a mobile ICU in a tacticool pouch.

Second, if you don’t ALWAYS train and deploy with an IFAK as first line gear for your own survival, stop reading right here and immediately apologize to your buddies for being “that guy”. Then call your mom, husband or wife, kids, neighbors and grade school principal and tell them how you have been a complete dumbass, you have now seen the light and will forever more be squared away with respect to your medical skills and gear.

Moving on.

There’s a couple ways to decide what goes in your IFAK.

1. The Academic Method: Most preventable deaths on the battlefield (85% or more) are from uncontrolled hemorrhage (bleeding to death). So the academic would say that 85% percent of your IFAK gear should be for hemorrhage control. The next 9% are from pneumothorax (the proverbial sucking chest wound) so 9% of your gear should be for that….you get the picture.

That’s how most IFAKs have been stocked to date and it’s a decent standard. However, combat death statistics change as combat medicine evolves. A recent Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC, more on that later) meeting included a review of several cases of soldiers who bled to death from wounds to the upper groin/pelvic area, and under the armpits. They called these cases of “junctional hemorrhage” referring to the fact that the bleeding occurred in areas where limbs attach to the torso. Historically, these cases of junctional hemorrhage were not considered preventable deaths because the bleeding couldn’t be controlled with a tourniquet and direct pressure on the bleeder wasn’t possible. Today, with certain field surgical techniques taught to medics and a soon to be released abdominal aortic tourniquet, future deaths from these types of injuries may be classified as preventable. The Academic Method and your IFAK become susceptible to mission creep.

2. The Packrat Method: “If two is one and one is none, then six should do the trick!”.

This method ignores axiom #1, “The best medicine is fire superiority”. Unless otherwise ordered, never sacrifice ammo for more band-aids. Bill, a SOFREP founder, always says he never wants to die from lack of ammo.

3. The Boy Scout Method: Be Prepared! “I’ll just throw in a few ibuprofen, a couple decongestants, a sling, some burn cream, and some moleskin just in case”. Again, think FIRST LINE GEAR. None of that shit will save your life. If you want something for the sniffles, blisters, or joint pain, put it in your ruck.

First line gear relates directly to first line medical skills. If nothing else, you must be able to stop bleeding. Learn how to do this and then use the materials you’re familiar with. You will want to make sure your IFAK has a roll of some type of gauze, (ideally a hemostatic gauze)and a combat rated tourniquet. That’s the minimum. Lastly, place your IFAK in a location on your body where you can reach it with either hand in case one of your limbs is unusable.

Juliet 2

Surviving a gunshot: SWAT officer’s review of the Gray Man Training IFAK

July 3, 2019 by John Smith Leave a Comment

I got linked up with Gray Man Training through a mutual friend and was sent this IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) to see what I thought. The short answer is, “I’m a fan.” But for those who want some more details, keep reading.

What I like most about the Gray Man IFAK is it is exactly that, an IFAK. No unnecessary bells and whistles. The owner (Shea Stewart) spent some time as a Navy Special Warfare Combatant –Craft Crewman (SWCC) and was selected to attend the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center in Fort Bragg, N.C. where he received extensive training in combat medicine, earning the distinction of Special Operations Combat Medic. So it’s safe to say he knows how to design an IFAK.

Gray Man’s IFAK is a modified version of the DA Medic Pouch from CRO medical. The two did a little collaboration to bring you a slim and low profile kit that can easily be concealed in a purse, briefcase, EDC backpack, vehicle etc. It can also function as a legitimate IFAK for duty without taking up too much belt space. Gray Man also built the kit with the idea that the person accessing it would need to be able to do everything by feel and that everything would stay in place.

The medical gear inside is laid out in the order that someone would need to grab them according to the MARCH algorithm of TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) and TECC (Tactical Emergency Combat Care). Tourniquet first, then hemostatic gauze and pressure dressing material for massive hemorrhage, then an NPA (nasopharyngeal airway) with lube (hand glued on to make opening the NPA and lube with gross motor skills possible) for airway management, then a chest seal for holes in the box (chin to navel).

As an ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) First Responder Medical Instructor this is exactly the way we train police officers to apply treatment before we can get medical personnel on scene. Bleeding and airway comes first, and then tension-pneumothorax and hyperthermia treatment follows. There is no decompression needle in this kit but by the time that is needed, I pray medical professionals are on scene. Not to mention needle decompression is a semi-invasive procedure that needs training signed off on by a doctor and I myself as a police officer am not authorized to use or teach such a technique at my department.

All and all I think Gray Man Training did a jam up job at designing this kit and I would definitely recommend it to others. Jump on his Instagram page @graymantraining or shoot him an email to [email protected] to order. Checkout the video to see the kit in action.

How a Special Forces Medic sets up his IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit)

July 13, 2018 by The Arms Guide Guest Writer Leave a Comment

In this video we cover what I keep in the IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit), on the back of my Gun Belt. IFAK stands for Individual First Aid Kit. Well, honestly probably because the Army didn’t want to call it a FAK. Just like they didn’t want to call the HMMWV a “Hummer” because it sounds too much like “Bummer.” I digress. As for everything inside my pouch; I would prefer that you purchase it all from North American Rescue, so there is no chance of you getting counterfeit stuff off of Amazon.

You can buy fancy “issue” IFAKs that have tons of extra items. I, personally, take them out to save room. I don’t need First Aid Graphic Cards to tell me what to do. I don’t carry rubber gloves, because if it is one of my buddies bleeding out, I’m not gonna take the time to put them on. I carry the bare minimum amount of stuff because, if you carry a ton of great gear, your medical kit would be too large and you would leave it in the vehicle or team room. My basic IFAK stays with me, and I carry extra med gear on the back of my body armor.

My personal IFAK pouch, Body Armor and War Belt are made by ATS Tactical Gear, check them out at http://atstacticalgear.com . They were kind enough to offer Tactical Rifleman viewers a 5% discount off all their products; just use promo code: tacr5

We also carry a much larger Medic Bag in every vehicle. Ensure that you can reach your IFAK with both hands. Otherwise, try to guess which arm will get injured. Murphy is a bitch. Of Course, the dedicated unit medics or PJs carry much more medical gear in their Trauma Bags. Depending on the mission or situation, some units ever deploy with whole medical teams. It’s all about having the gear to take the most advantage of that first Golden Hour. That said, you can’t rely on that unit medic or local EMS to come save the day. Life saving starts with First Aid. That’s you, that are standing right there when it happens. So, have the gear to get it done. If you haven’t already, I encourage EVERYONE to attend a modern medical course, such as a Tactical Combat Casualty Care Course (TCCC). T1G offers these great classes. You can sign up for these at T1G.com

I reached out to get part numbers from North American Rescue, but they never got back to me. So, here’s at least a list with links, from Amazon, to at least get you pointed in the right direction… Soft T wide tourniquet (Keep on your kit where you can reach with both hands) http://amzn.to/2FlnytH Nasal Trumpet (you just need one, but sized to you) http://amzn.to/2ocRMr4 Chest seal http://amzn.to/2BGoKrJ 14 gauge catheter (only if you know how to treat a Tension Pneumothorax) http://amzn.to/2HybmX2 Combat gauze (nice to have) http://amzn.to/2FloOwV Kerlex (at least 2) http://amzn.to/2sFjDoF Ace wraps (at least 2 to hold kerlex in place) http://amzn.to/2CxuxMY Duck tape (3 feet rolled tight) http://amzn.to/2CxQ20e

Thanks for watching. Strength & Honor, TR. Help support Tactical Rifleman by purchasing one of our T-shirts, check them out at: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/Tactical… For more go to http://www.tacticalrifleman.com/

Photo courtesy of YouTube.

The Blackhawk STRIKE Medical Pouch – An IFAK for all

April 24, 2018 by Loadout Room Guest Authors Leave a Comment

The Individual First Aid Kit, aka the IFAK, is a concept that exploded during the Global War on terror. No longer was Doc the only guy carrying trauma gear. Every Marine and Soldier is equipped with an IFAk and if their leadership isn’t a failure they’ll know how to use it. An IFAK is a critical piece of gear for any plate carrier, chest rig, and bug out bag. I personally keep an IFAK in my vehicle at all times. Shit happens, and when it pops off I want to have the necessary medical gear on hand to deal with it. From car accidents to scraped knees I’d rather be considered paranoid than ever be unprepared. The guys at Crate Club understand the importance of an IFAk, so they decided our members should have one. The one they chose is the Blackhawk STRIKE medical pouch.

Inside the Blackhawk STRIKE Medical Pouch

You can pack medical supplies into almost any pouch and call it an IFAk. That doesn’t make it an IFAK though. An IFAk needs to be designed for medical supplies and designed for quick access. To access your medical gear you need to have it organized. The ability to organize your medical gear for quick access is what makes the difference between an admin pouch and an IFAK.

The Blackhawk STRIKE medical pouch is designed for easy organization. The inside of the kit is outfitted with a series of elastic straps to allow you to easily organize your gear for easy and quick access. The rear side of the STRIKE Medical Pouch features two massive elastic loops for large gear like Israeli dressings or H and H bandages.

The opposite side of the kit features two sets of dual elastic bands divided into three sections. These dual bands allow you carry tourniquets, combat gauze, and other smaller gear you need in a hurry. Behind the front panel is a small pocket for packing large items that may not need to be at hand immediately. It’s a great place for a small roll of tape, a flashlight, and some trauma shears.

Mounted and In Use

What I really love about this kit is the way it opens. The zippers go almost entirely to the bottom. The inside of the pouch had two elastic bands that connect the front of the pouch to the rear of the pouch. This holds the front pouch outwards at a 90-degree angle and it acts like a tray to easily retrieve your gear when the STRIKE medical pouch is on a plate carrier or belt.

I packed the kit with my typical medical gear. This included bandages, gauze, combat gauze, tourniquets, band-aids, and a few more pieces of gear I find necessary. The elastic straps allow me to organize and retrieve the gear with ease. Even when the kit is mounted to my plate carrier.

The STRIKE Medical pouch is large enough to carry enough trauma gear for self or buddy care. It mounts easily to a pack for hiking and camping as well. I found it to be a perfect fit for my normal hiking pack from London Bridge.

If you aren’t a Tactical Tommy or a Hill Hiking Hank, this kit is perfect for keeping in the car. Stock it with the medical gear you know how to use and simply keep it on hand for whatever life throws at you. Don’t underestimate something as simple as packing band-aids and antibiotic ointments with your RATS tourniquets and Israeli dressings.

Never underestimate the importance of medical gear. Imagine how many lives could be saved if everyone packed some basic medical gear all times. Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution.

*Originally published on the Crate Club Knowledgebase

Where is your IFAK?

March 22, 2018 by Bart "Sergei" Norman 14 Comments

So where is yours? ” Right here and always ready” is the only right answer here. I’ve seen a trend in the last few years of people actually using an Individual First Aid Kit more as a fashion accessory rather than a means of saving theirs or someone else’s life.

Time and time again I see people in class arriving with huge pouches or backpacks, bearing fancy patches indicating the supposed medical application of the contents, only to discover they are used as lunch boxes at most. A person spends $2000 on a gun, $2000 on fancy gear, uniforms and whatnot, but bleeds out to death when hit by a ricochet because he couldn’t find $5 for an Emergency bandage or $12 for a tourniquet. Oh the irony…

Well I don’t handle guns that much, do I still need to carry this with me?

This does not only apply to those who use firearms. A handy, compact and well thought through IFAK should be at your disposal always. How much do you actually value your life? Worldwide more people die each year in car and household accidents than firearms related violence. Airsoft players tell me they don’t see a reason for that excessive weight because there is no chance of sustaining a “military type wound” in what they are doing. Six years ago a friend of mine fell 4 stories down an unsecured lift-shaft while playing Airsoft. He sustained compound fractures of both legs, open arm fracture, 3 broken ribs, and a punctured lung causing a life threatening tension pneumothorax. Luckily for him, he had his IFAK on him.

I always have my IFAK with me. I’ve been carrying the same one for 10 years! Old Faithful.

Medical science is one of the fastest developing discourses in the world. This “Old Faithful” group carrying old gauze and bandages certainly deserves some credit since any gauze is better than no gauze; but it’s important we keep up with the science of emergency medicine when peoples lives will be on the line. So if out of sentiment to old faithful, or any other reason for that matter, you’re still carrying items that would better fit in a museum than in an emergency situation it’s time to refresh.

I’m not trained to use this, so why should I have it?

Well answer number one, GET TRAINED! Attending TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) or basic First Aid courses should be one of your highest priorities. These will help you gain the skills necessary to help yourself and others if need be. Learning casualty care is no easy endeavor and it does take a few years of hard work to become a medic. However, as a first responder your job will be to sustain life until proper medical care can be administered, and with even basic training you will have a good chance of success. As with anything, the more you learn and practice the better.

If you currently lack training, you should still consider carrying the tools and medical supplies that might save your life. Remember that primarily your IFAK is designated to be used not necessarily by you, but on you. Luckily there is a number of well-trained individuals out there and if they find you unconscious or wounded, it is your IFAK that can give them the tools they need to save your life.

You can get your own MyMedic Shield HERE for $199.95

Blue Force Gear Micro Trauma Kit NOW! The best damned micro IFAK I’ve seen!

October 17, 2017 by Garand Thumb Leave a Comment

“Want to see a dead person?” My translator casually asked me during my last day working at a rural medical clinic in Haiti after the quake. “How do you know he’s dead?” I asked seriously. My Haitian translator considered this question for a while, “Well… he isn’t moving much”. I booked it the half mile to the dead man with a miniature trauma kit I had made to attempt some emergency medical intervention while others at the clinic gathered more substantial gear. The man was definitely very dead by the time I got there, so I guess my translator was right. But it illustrates an important point. There are times when you need to roll light, however a medical kit is essential to any environment in which you might be in harm’s way (re: always). A micro trauma kit is a good idea, advances in materials and design have allowed us to get those micro trauma kits stupid small. Enter Blue Force Gear with their excellent Micro Trauma Kit NOW! (Micro TKN).

t’s been a hot minute since I’ve worked in the medical field. Putting together a good trauma kit is in my opinion best left to those medics still scrubbing blood from their cuticles. Blue Force Gear tapped some great talent in choosing precisely the equipment needed to stabilize a variety of battlefield injuries until bigger and better people and equipment arrive. The list is as follows:

1) QuickClot Combat Gauze
2) HyFin Vent Chest Seal (2 seals included)
3) Cleer Medical Trauma Bandage 4” Flat Pack
4) Decompression needle
5) Six 2” x9” Frog Tape
6) Size 28 Nasopharyngeal Airway
7) Heavy Duty Medical Gloves in tan (1 pair)

As with everything medical, the equipment is useless without proper knowledge and training. So make sure you get yourself some of that. With the proper knowledge a lot of different life threatening injuries can be effectively treated using the contents of this trauma kit. Some final parting words regarding the content of the BFG Micro TKN, it rocks. It’s well-chosen, with an emphasis on minimalism without sacrificing those implements which can be so desperately needed when things go south. A quick note, there is no tourniquet. I typically wear my tourniquet separate from my IFAK and in a variety of different places so this didn’t bother me. If it is a deal breaker for you, rubber band a tourniquet on top.

With all of these excellent supplies we need a good pouch. Blue Force Gear doesn’t disappoint. The Micro TKN can be had in Multicam, Black, Coyote Brown, OD Green, and Wold Grey. The Micro TKN features a sleeve that has a medical cross laser cut out with three different backgrounds that can be used (black, red, or a highly reflective glow in the dark background). My particular pouch is belt mounted, however you can get MOLLE mounts as well. The sides of the sleeve stretch to accommodate the medical supplies once packed. The inner pouch and outer are made of a combination of 500D Solution Dyed Cordura, TEX 70 bonded nylon thread, Ten-Speed® Military Grade Elastic, and ULTRAcomp laminate. The combined materials make this pouch very strong, and very abrasion resistant. The inner sleeve features pull tabs on either side, so that the contents can be pulled out in either direction if you have this mounted at the small of your back.

The inner sleeve will fit all of your medical supplies, its a very tight fit. Not room was spared, and you may swear a bit as you put it in, but it fits. The Micro TKN is extremely low profile. When mounted at the small of my back, I didn’t notice any problems when working from vehicles or sitting for long periods of time. At no point did the trauma kit get pulled out or otherwise spill its contents during training in urban / rural environments. During hard tactical movements it held it’s ground as well. Over the time I’ve used it, I’ve come to trust it implicitly along with more substantial medical gear carried in a pack or by a medic.

The Blue Force Gear Micro TKN is a really slick piece of gear. It’s fills an odd niche that is often partially covered by the larger Individual First Aid kits typically worn. I’ve come to appreciate the idea of a micro trauma kit. By separating my trauma gear from my boo boo kit, I thin out the gear worn on my belt line or plate carrier which leads to better mobility for me. Of everything that you were planning to buy this year, I think a good micro trauma kit should be at the top of the list. The Blue Force Gear Micro Trauma Kit NOW! is an excellently designed item that will serve you for the years to come and could potentially be a lifesaver when you need it.