IFAK is an acronym for “Individual First-Aid Kit” or “Improved First-Aid Kit”, which was originally developed by the Military in the late 1990’s. This isn’t your typical band-aids and Neosporin kind of boo-boo first-aid kit, but rather a self-aid / buddy-aid trauma kit that is meant for wounds that can be serious or deadly if not treated immediately.
The IFAK was originally developed for battlefield wounds obtained from gunshots or explosions. The use of this kit is meant to treat more severe, time-sensitive wounds, such as those represented by the U.S. military's M.A.R.C.H. acronym: Massive Hemorrhaging, Airway Clearance, Respiration, Circulation, and Hypothermia / Head Wounds. With that being said, some items in an IFAK should be used by trained and experienced professionals while performing such procedures as needle decompressions, tourniquet uses, and/or airway clearance procedures.
The most used item in an IFAK is typically a tourniquet, which is a device that stops blood flow from the wounded area by compressing closed the veins and arteries within a damaged limb, with a cord or tight bandage. Tourniquets are an IFAK essential because bleeding out is one of the leading causes of death in combat or serious accidents.
Another popular item found in an IFAK is an airway clearance device such as an NPA (Nasopharyngeal Airway Device)...as blocked airways are the next most common leading cause of death in combat or severe accidents. An airway clearance device like an NPA is typically a sterile version of a rubber tube that is inserted into the right nostril, ending at the base of the tongue, which helps to keep the airway open.
Other common items in an IFAK are:
- Wound Packing Gauze
- Trauma Bandages
- Chest Seals
- Trauma Shears
- Burn Dressings
- Decompression Needles
- Nitrile Gloves
While these professional items are used daily in hospitals around the world, it doesn’t mean that only trained professionals can use them. With a little research and practice, you can easily train yourself to treat these wounds in an emergency situation. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, camper, hiker, hunter, fisher, or you participate in shooting sports or work with heavy machinery, it's best to always be prepared - because you never know when you or your loved ones might face an accident involving a shooting, a run-in with wildlife, misuse of equipment, or any other manner of tragic events that can happen in an instant.
Peace of mind is knowing that you will have the supplies and training you need, when the emergency presents itself. For that reason, many people keep Individual First-Aid Kits (IFAKs) in their cars, their home, their Bug-Out Bags, Hunting Bags, Fishing Bags, or wherever you might need access to one in an emergency. This kit can save your life - which is why having one is a great way to always be prepared.
Our own TITAN Survival Tactical IFAK comes with all the items you will need, including:
- 2x CAT Tourniquets
- 2x vented chest seals
- 1x compressed gauze
- 1x 28Fr NPA (Nasopharyngeal Airway Device) with Lubricant
- 1x Roll of Duct Tape
- 1x Permanent Marker
- 1x 4” Trauma bandage
- 1x Hi-Viz Carabiner Trauma Shears
- 2x Sets of Nitryl Gloves
- and 1x Awesome TITAN Survival Morale Patch
You can get your own IFAK here:
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