The AMK Field Trauma kit has been one of my more constant companions since I received it for review. Fortunately for me I haven’t had any emergencies or traumas to treat in the time I’ve had the kit. Unfortunately for you I can’t give a detailed description of how I stopped a sucking chest wound for you to read. Since AMK uses popular and well-known gear in their kits you already know it’s well made and effective medical gear. I have quite a few IFAK like kits in my collection and this is easily the smallest and most convenient one I’ve ever had.
The AMK Trauma kit is an excellent option for everyday carry. It doesn’t scream military or tactical in any way so you can stay incognito. The kit isn’t small enough to be back pocket-friendly, but if you carry a laptop bag or a backpack it hardly takes up any room. Even if you just leave it in your center console or glove box you are light years ahead of not having the kit at all.
The kit has a number of highlights that should be mentioned. The kit is made from tons of gear that is infinitely handy in everyday situations. A few pieces of gear stand out.
AMK Trauma Kit Highlights
Quikclot Clotting sponge is a hemostatic agent combined with gauze. The primary agent is kaolin which is an inorganic mineral that aids in the body’s natural clotting process. These sponges have replaced the traditional granule Quikclot in the United States military and have proven to be much more effective than the granule form. It does not burn, or cause pain of any kind. It can be used anywhere normal gauze can be used. This stuff has proven to be a lifesaver in the military and is an excellent must have for a trauma kit.
Gloves
Gloves are a piece of gear that is rarely included in a kit. A lot of modern IFAK’s are based off the military standard, which is good, but doesn’t include gloves. They would be useless in a military IFAK. Bloodborne pathogens are a very real risk, and you should do everything in your power to protect yourself from them.
The Book
The book that is included in this kit is absolutely awesome and I could do a whole review just on it. It covers absolutely everything I can think of. Not only that but it is explained in a manner that is simple to understand and the illustrations are clear and concise. The book itself retails for 15 bucks online, so this 45 dollar kit comes with a 15 dollar book. It’s an excellent study, one that makes the kit well worth it.
The Convenience of Carry
The AMK Trauma Kits main draw is the utter convenience and ease of carry. This trauma kit can be drug anywhere, anytime, and be done without much effort. I carried this in the Claymore bag by Combat Flip Flops, and now it’s transferred to my Tactical Tailor concealed carry bag. It fits perfectly in my mini laptop bag as well.
On top of that I keep it in my range bag for my concealed carry classes, I like to have a kit close just in case. Thankfully I’ve never had to use it. I mentioned previously that it can fit in the cargo pocket of my work pants, and it’s a little large, but in a pinch, I could grab it and go. Lastly, I did a little research and the entire kit is plane friendly. Not as checked luggage, but as a carry-on. Using the TSA’s website I could find nothing in the bag that violates their rules. So you can always have a trauma kit on you when traveling if you desire.
What I’ve used
Like I said I haven’t had to use much of the gear. So far it’s been limited to my after bite treatment for mosquitos because I live in Florida and they’re the state bird. Other than that it’s been limited to a band-aid and antiseptic on a five-year old’s scuffed knee. SO far everything is quality, and even the external bag is quite strong.
What it needs?
I think a tourniquet of some type would be a good addition. Maybe not a CAT tourniquet, but a RATS tourniquet is small and compact. I’m adding my own personally. Maybe it’s just the paranoid grunt in me that needs a tourniquet in an IFAK.
Is it For You?
This is a great kit for everyday use and easy carry. Because of its small size, it is of course, going to be lacking in some respects. For its size, it is a mighty mouse. This is an everyday life kit, not an everyday adventuring kit. If I was going rock climbing, on a long camping trip, or indulging into any number of dangerous, but fun activities I may carry something a bit bigger. It’s like a gun, knife, or flashlight. If I was going to war I’d carry a rifle, a Ka-Bar, a Streamlight Sidewinder, and a full IFAK. For everyday carry, I take a single stack nine, a folding knife, a pen light, and the AMK trauma kit. The AMK Trauma kit is a picture perfect preparation.
