What should I have in my IFAK?

As civil unrest rises and global conflicts continue to shape our world, more people are recognizing the importance of being prepared not only to defend themselves, but also to save a life when seconds matter.

If you are gearing up for high risk environments or simply strengthening your personal readiness, your Individual First Aid Kit should be built around the most critical and immediate lifesaving tools. The guide below will help you understand what to carry and how to choose the right equipment for your needs.

Q: What does IFAK stand for?
IFAK stands for Individual First Aid Kit.

Although IFAKs share many similarities with typical Trauma Kits, they are smaller and meant for personal carry rather than team based or professional medical response.

One of our popular IFAKS

IFAKs and trauma kits are built to manage severe bleeding, airway complications, and other critical injuries long enough to keep a patient stable until advanced medical care is available.

Important Training Note: We strongly recommend obtaining proper medical and trauma response training before attempting to use any of the items listed in this article. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide for treating patients or performing medical procedures. Always follow certified training, established medical protocols, and the instructions of qualified professionals during real emergencies.

Q: What is the MARCH algorithm?

M.A.R.C.H. is a structured system used in tactical and medical training programs to prioritize lifesaving care from the most urgent needs to the least. The steps follow a clear order: Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, and Hypothermia.

M: Massive Hemorrhage Stopping major bleeding is the highest priority because no other injuries can be addressed if the patient loses too much blood. Controlling hemorrhage first is essential for survival.

1. Tourniquet (COTCCC recommended)

A tourniquet is used to stop life threatening bleeding from limbs. Choose a COTCCC recommended model such as:
 - CAT from North American Rescue
 - SOF-T Wide from TacMed Solutions

These are proven to work reliably under stress. Every personal IFAK should contain at least one tourniquet, but individuals should have at least 2 ideally. 4 is optimal (one for each limb) but it all depends on your SOP. 

Created with input from active military units, this USKITS trauma kit includes two CAT tourniquets and is already trusted in the field.

1A. Marker or Pen
 - Used to record the time a tourniquet was applied. This information is important for professional follow up care.

2. Compressed Gauze and Hemostatic Gauze
 - Gauze is used for wound packing and applying pressure deep within a bleeding wound. 

 - Hemostatic Gauze is infused with clotting agents to stop severe bleeding faster. Examples include QuikClot or ChitoGauze.

 - While both hemostatic and standard gauze have similar overall survival outcomes, hemostatic gauze can accelerate clotting by several minutes. In most civilian settings, such as workplace injuries or vehicle accidents, regular gauze is typically sufficient. However, in high threat environments like active shooter situations or combat zones, the time saved by hemostatic agents can make a critical lifesaving difference.

3. Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD) and Israeli bandages

 - These secure and protect packed wounds while also applying compression. 

 - Some come with hook-and-loop to secure, others can come with pressure bars to add additional compression. 

A: Airway Airway management is important, but most advanced airway tools require medical training.

4. NPA (Nasopharyngeal Airway) with Lubricant

 - An NPA helps maintain an open airway in an unconscious or semi conscious patient.

 - Note: This is often included in medic kits, but only recommended for an IFAK if the user is trained. Many civilian carriers skip NPAs.

R: Respiration These items help treat chest injuries and assist with breathing stabilization.

5. Chest Seals

 - Chest seals treat sucking chest wounds caused by penetrating trauma. They prevent air from entering the chest cavity.

 - They usually come in packs of 2, one for entry and one for exit wounds.

C: Circulation Circulation refers to maintaining blood flow and preventing shock. Professional medic bags may include IV setups or more advanced tools, but IFAKs keep it simple.

6. Specialized Flat Tape or ACE bandages

 - Useful for securing bandages, reinforcing dressings, or supporting splints.

 - Flat tape packs compactly compared to regular medical tape and is ideal for small kits.

H: Hypothermia Prevention Uncontrolled bleeding and trauma can quickly lead to hypothermia. Preventing heat loss is crucial.

7. Mylar Emergency Blanket

 - Lightweight and compact, yet essential for maintaining body temperature.

 - They are water proof and compact, and can usually be used in survival situations to reflect light to get attention. 

Strongly Recommended Items:

8. Trauma Shears

 - Trauma shears allow you to rapidly cut through clothing and gear, giving you clear access to injuries so treatment can begin quickly and safely.

9. Nitrile Gloves

 - Helps protect both the rescuer and the patient from contamination. Carrying multiple pairs is recommended in case a glove tears or becomes compromised.

If you want to save the headache of building your own, you can find one HERE that fits your needs.

A larger team-medic kit. 

Building an effective IFAK means choosing the right tools and understanding how to use them. With high quality tourniquets, reliable chest seals, hemostatic gauze, ETD bandages, and protective gear like nitrile gloves, you will be prepared for the most serious emergencies. Always seek proper training. The best equipment is only as effective as the person using it.