First things first, what is an IFAK kit?
IFAK stands for 'Individual First Aid Kit'. These kits were first seen widespread in the military as they can be carried on your person and provide instant access to the medical equipment needed to control the bleeding of injuries such as gun shot wounds and prepare the wound for proper medical attention, which increases the patients chances of survival in an emergency.
The IFAK kit has now been more widely adopted with people from all walks of life carrying them, whether its a medical professional, a person going hiking or for storage in the back of a car for emergencies.
Why Do I Need A IFAK Kit?
With the origins of military use and treatment of gunshots, you may wonder why you need one. But the IFAK kit is something everyone should have ready and be prepared to use, whether that be in their house, back of their car or in their rucksack, as it could save your life.
An IFAK kit, or Individual First Aid Kit, is a compact medical kit that is designed to provide immediate medical assistance in emergency situations. There are multiple reasons why you should have an IFAK kit, including:
- Emergency Preparedness: An IFAK kit can help you be prepared for emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, or injuries while out in the wilderness. Having the necessary medical supplies on hand can make a huge difference in the outcome of a medical emergency.
- Immediate Medical Assistance: An IFAK kit can provide immediate medical assistance in emergency situations, which can be critical in preventing further injury or even saving a life.
- Convenience: An IFAK kit is compact and portable, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. This means that you can have access to critical medical supplies at all times, even when you are on the go.
"Uncontrolled post-traumatic bleeding is the leading cause of potentially preventable death among injured patients"R. Rossaint et al.
The European guideline on management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following trauma: fourth edition. Crit Care.
2016; 20: 100.
Blood loss can kill in a matter of minutes and when disaster strikes the first person on the scene is usually a passerby or your friends/family. Having an IFAK kit to hand gives you the ability to deal with a major bleed and possibly save a life by controlling the blood loss long enough for trained professionals to arrive.
These kits are especially helpful for campers/hikers who may get hurt in remote locations, meaning treatment on the scene is vital to buy those extra minutes needed to get to safety.
What Items Are In An IFAK Kit?
The contents of an IFAK kit can change depending on the needs of the individual. However, some staples are as follows:
- Rescue Blanket
- CAT - Combat Application Tourniquet
- Sharpie Pen
- Trauma Dressing
- Trauma Shears
- Micropore Tape
- Haemostatic Gauze
- Sterile Non-Woven Triangular Bandage
- Plasters
- Non-Sterile Nitrile Powder-Free Examination Gloves
- Rebreath CPR Face Shield
This kit provides warmth, treatment for open wounds and for the control of bleeding. Allowing you to stabalise yourself, or a potential patient, long enough to seek medical attention from a professional.
What Should I Keep My IFAK Kit In?
This question begins to be answered once you know how much will be in your IFAK kit and where it will be stored. It's generally recommended that you keep your IFAK compact with all its contents easily accessible. As the less time spent looking for the kit and getting out the item you need, the faster aid can be applied.
With this in mind, a quick access bag that can be attached to you/your gear or stored in an easily accessed compartment of a bag or your car is the best way to store your IFAK kit.
Here are some options you can consider:
- 5.11 UCR Flat IFAK Pouch
- 5.11 UCR IFAK Pouch
- Individual Emergency IFAK Pouch
- Maxpedition Individual First Aid IFAK Pouch
Conclusion
Overall, having an IFAK kit can help you be prepared with medical supplies to address injuries or wounds in emergency situations, potentially saving lives. Having this kit in an easily accessible bag with the correct kit is pivotal to its effectiveness.