How a Special Forces Medic sets up his IFAK | Individual first aid kit | Tactical Rifleman
In this video we cover what I keep in the IFAK, 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. I reached out to get part numbers from NAR, 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
Yes, 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. 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
Thanks for watching. Strength & Honor, TR.