Medical Supplies, First Aid Kits, IFAKs

barf

barf

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Sorry if this has been posted somewhere but I was wondering if there was an interest in a thread for linking the best places/prices for FAK/IFAK supplies.

I know the “all in one kits” are seen as overpriced. I am interested not only in best prices for us civilians, but also good lists of contents. Maybe some can offer reasons to carry certain items that most of us overlook.

It seems you’ll pay 50-100 bucks for a compact IFAC pouch that is belt mounted, don’t care to debate those.

Just really want to start a discussion/list so that I (and hopefully others new to the subject) are able to put together a usable IFAK for a reasonable price.

Any help is appreciated! I am new to first aid of any kind.
 
I went through this a few years ago and found Amazon prices to be very competitive, and the only places I could find better prices they had moderate shipping charges.
 
Here is the link to that thread.

Group Buy-Elite First Aid

We just became a retailer for Elite First Aid, who is based in Wake Forest, NC. For our first order, we would like to offer up a group buy with special pricing. If you would like a price on an item, shoot me a DM and we'll get you squared away https://elitefirstaidinc.com/
carolinafirearmsforum.com carolinafirearmsforum.com
 
I'm new to the topic, only 30 years experience. I will post more tomorrow.

Short story: Amazon is a crapshoot. Products not in spec, counterfeit, etc.

First aid or IFAK? They are not the same thing. Easier to add IFAK supplies to a first aid kit than the other way around.

What's your intended purpose? Belt? Range? Camping? Car? Home? Under the sink? Expedition?

I can put together a list of different vendors, types, etc.

More tomorrow.
 
Bnizzel2000 said:
Here is the link to that thread.

Group Buy-Elite First Aid

We just became a retailer for Elite First Aid, who is based in Wake Forest, NC. For our first order, we would like to offer up a group buy with special pricing. If you would like a price on an item, shoot me a DM and we'll get you squared away https://elitefirstaidinc.com/
carolinafirearmsforum.com carolinafirearmsforum.com
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I saw this was a closed thread, thought it might have been “shut down”.

Chuckman said:
I'm new to the topic, only 30 years experience. I will post more tomorrow.

Short story: Amazon is a crapshoot. Products not in spec, counterfeit, etc.

First aid or IFAK? They are not the same thing. Easier to add IFAK supplies to a first aid kit than the other way around.

What's your intended purpose? Belt? Range? Camping? Car? Home? Under the sink? Expedition?

I can put together a list of different vendors, types, etc.

More tomorrow.
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More so for an IFAK for gun shot wounds, trauma. One that I can have on my belt at the shooting range and during competitions, and also carry in my EDC bag.

But it would be nice to extend it to a car kit as well that has more substantial contents.

Mostly focusing on a list of must haves for both scenarios. A list that can be updated in the first post. Along with links to sites with prices that aren’t highway robbery and are reputable.
 
berf said:
I saw this was a closed thread, thought it might have been “shut down”.



More so for an IFAK for gun shot wounds, trauma. One that I can have on my belt at the shooting range and during competitions, and also carry in my EDC bag.

But it would be nice to extend it to a car kit as well that has more substantial contents.

Mostly focusing on a list of must haves for both scenarios. A list that can be updated in the first post. Along with links to sites with prices that aren’t highway robbery and are reputable.
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I think he's partnered with more than one supplier.

@Butter
 
Bnizzel2000 said:
You need to talk to Butters. He has some really nice kits. I bought a kit from him maybe a month ago. Its problay the nices kit is have seen for the price point.
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I also got a pre-assembled kit during that group buy. The supplies seemed to be of good quality, the bag was really nice. I only had to add a tourniquet and a different pair of shears to it. The tourniquet, I feel, was a mandatory addition and the shears were just a preference thing. @Chuckman would be your most qualified source for a list of items that should be in every IFAK, first aid kit, or rapid response medical kit. Your level of training will somewhat determine some of the items but it is good to have items, like a tourniquet for example, that you may not know how to use but someone else on the scene may be able to.
 
I’ve liked The Prepared for this. Hope linking to another site isn’t a big no-no: https://theprepared.com/bug-out-bags/guides/first-aid-kit-list/

I like that it’s not just a random guys choices but debated and researched. (That’s a knock on most of the internet reviews and “Top Lists”, no comment or input here). That said, would love to hear @Chuckman input.

Related, if you have an HSA/FSA, Amazon does have an HSA store where you can use your card. Buying From Amazon (not just on the site) helps a lot with the crapshoot of quality. Plus you get to buy it pre-income tax.
 
Something eye opening for me recently. I was RO’ing a Run-n-Gun match and had a boo-boo. Simple smashed finger when @VOD Tactical THREW a propane tank at me the big bully…anyway, I had a not serious cut/tear that just needed some antibiotic cream and a band aid.

There were probably 5 tourniquets within steps of where we were, but not a simple band aid to be found.

I need to add simple boo-boo supplies to my kit. And, honestly that stuff will likely get used a lot more often.
 
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Tim said:
Something eye opening for me recently. I was RO’ing a Run-n-Gun match and had a boo-boo. Simple smashed finger when @VOD Tactical THREW a propane tank at me the big bully…anyway, I had a not serious cut/tear that just needed some antibiotic cream and a band aid.

There were probably 5 tourniquets within steps of where we were, but not a simple band aid to be found.

I need to add simple boo-boo supplies to my kit. And, honestly that stuff will likely get used a lot more often.
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Yup, that’s why my range belt FAK is more of a hybrid, not an IFAK, more than a boo boo kit and then a separate TQ.
Also, some people (on other boards) get REALLY upset when you call anything an IFAK that deviates from the mil definition, even if it is a FAK carried on and for an individual 😂.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
Yup, that’s why my range belt FAK is more of a hybrid, not an IFAK, more than a boo boo kit and then a separate TQ.
Also, some people (on other boards) get REALLY upset when you call anything an IFAK that deviates from the mil definition, even if it is a FAK carried on and for an individual 😂.
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And how many folks toting GSW kits don't even carry some water in the summer? I've suffered more dehydration in our hellish sunny season than I have injuries.
 
@Chuckman , didn't you host a webinar or on-site live 1st Aid how-to some time ago? If that could be repeated when you're up to it, I bet a few of us would be interested.
 
Tim said:
Something eye opening for me recently. I was RO’ing a Run-n-Gun match and had a boo-boo. Simple smashed finger when @VOD Tactical THREW a propane tank at me the big bully…anyway, I had a not serious cut/tear that just needed some antibiotic cream and a band aid.

There were probably 5 tourniquets within steps of where we were, but not a simple band aid to be found.

I need to add simple boo-boo supplies to my kit. And, honestly that stuff will likely get used a lot more often.
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In addition to band-aids, wound closure strips (steri-strips) are great to have and they take up very little room.
 
Duct tape works in a pinch and can be used for a multitude of other stuff

Check out refuge medical website. They sell kits and if you use it to save a life or something like that will restock it
 
OK, time for another primer.

IFAK: Individual First Aid Kit, a small compact trauma-only kit. Designed to be used on you, the wearer, but protocols vary. Contents by definition follow the CoTCCC TCCC/MARCH guidelines.

GFAK: General First Aid Kit, a bigger, more comprehensive generalized kit, may or may not have trauma-specific items. Think under-the-sink kits at home.

Boo-boo kits: Mishmash of bandaids, moleskin, triple-A cream, etc.

You can purchase complete IFAKs from trusted Co TCCC/NTOA vendors (list later). Generally range in cost from $50 up to whatever you want to pay (>$200). The expense is often the bag/pouch itself (it should not be but some guys like Gucci), and the hemostatic dressing (hemcon, quik clot, etc.). The tourniquet is stable price across all kits around $25-$30/kit. For an IFAK to be a for-real IFAK, the contents must be 'certified', and 'certification' is a product of research and testing, not 'just' a stamp of approval. For example, there are a hundred TQs on the market, only a handful are Co TCCC approved. The pouch ir nag is irrelevant; a lot of people take the contents out and vacuum-seal it to save space.

You can buy the whole kit, or buy the bag of your preference and buy components separately. Perfectly OK. Me, I do both. Some guys build ARs, I like to build kits.

IFAKs are meant to be worn on battle belt or PC. You cannot use it if you do not have it. When I am shooting I have more than one kit, but the IFAK is on me.

IFAKs are not carry-in-the-car kits, they are not aid/RAID bags, they are not MCI bags.

Vendors include (not limited to): North American Rescue Products, Tactical Medical Solutions, Chinook Medical, Dark Angel (Gucci, you are paying for the name and bag). You really want a laugh? Check out Phokus Research. A million percent mark-up.


General First Aid Kits. These are what they imply. Not for penetrating trauma. I get these and add a TQ and a hemostatic dressing. It doesn't turn it into an IFAK or trauma-specific kit but it's insurance. You can get general first aid kits anywhere...Wal-Mart, Target, Dick's, Bass, Galls, etc. To me, there's only one and that's Adventure Medical Kits (AMK). I also use these for camping and hiking. For what it's worth, I do not take an IFAK when I go camping or hiking. I am not expecting a firefight. AMK can be found at REI or online.

Adventure Medical Kits Outdoor First Aid Kits - Adventure Medical Kits

www.adventuremedicalkits.com

Boo-boo kits. Just grab a handful of high-use things and find something in which to stuff them. Band-aids, triple antibiotic, some 2x2s and 4x4s and tape. I use a baggy and shove it in a GP pouch or in my range bag.

A list of Co TCCC-approved items is attached.

Seasonal stuff: In the winter I have a couple of those cheap mylar blankets, in the summer I keep extra water and rehydration powder on hand.

I have insider pricing with North American. If anyone sees a kit or supplies they like, let me know and I will see what my price is. I do not mind buying at that price as a service.

Ask me questions.
 

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berf said:
I saw this was a closed thread, thought it might have been “shut down”.



More so for an IFAK for gun shot wounds, trauma. One that I can have on my belt at the shooting range and during competitions, and also carry in my EDC bag.

But it would be nice to extend it to a car kit as well that has more substantial contents.

Mostly focusing on a list of must haves for both scenarios. A list that can be updated in the first post. Along with links to sites with prices that aren’t highway robbery and are reputable.
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For kit contents find online the kints you like, and there is almost always a contents list. Just shop the list online for cheapest prices, Most things are going to be +/- of each other.
 
Oh, another thing. One of the sexy new things is under-armor kits, similar to this: https://www.phokusresearch.com/pages/info-1

As a civilian, as long as people know where it is, that's fine. This ain't going to work in the military because the mil is going to a walking blood bank protocol and guys will wear a blood bag under their armor. So, neat concept, it works, but not sure there will be a lot of buy-in.
 
On Facebook I am on the tactical medicine community page. Ironic to this conversation someone posted today about knock-off/counterfeit chest seals on Amazon.

Please--PLEASE--vet the vendor on Amazon if that's where you decide to buy!
 
Linked this thread to my Mrs. She knows a thing-r-10 about the subject matter if I can tear her away from horse vids and HGTV.
She's been pretty adamant about tourniquets. IIRC the gist being that they can be at least as dangerous as they can be helpful.
The local "boo-boo kit" gets the most use fersure. Here and afield.
She's always "goopin me up" with somethin and squeezin it in the crack with a bandaid or 3 when I get back from my outings.. 🤪😁

Tim said:
There were probably 5 tourniquets within steps of where we were, but not a simple band aid to be found.
I need to add simple boo-boo supplies to my kit. And, honestly that stuff will likely get used a lot more often.
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HawgBonz said:
Linked this thread to my Mrs. She knows a thing-r-10 about the subject matter if I can tear her away from horse vids and HGTV.
She's been pretty adamant about tourniquets. IIRC the gist being that they can be at least as dangerous as they can be helpful.
The local "boo-boo kit" gets the most use fersure. Here and afield.
She's always "goopin me up" with somethin and squeezin it in the crack with a bandaid or 3 when I get back from my outings.. 🤪😁
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I always thought you were supposed to periodically release tourniquets to get some blood flowing. Apparently once applied they are not to be removed.
 
berf said:
I always thought you were supposed to periodically release tourniquets to get some blood flowing. Apparently once applied they are not to be removed.
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HawgBonz said:
IIRC the gist being that they can be at least as dangerous as they can be helpful.
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I’m pretty sure the current philosophy is that TQ use is NOT last resort and should not be loosened. Seems that a couple decades of combat trauma gave us pretty good data to work with in that regard. The Stop the Bleed certified course I took had that mindset in any case.

The idea being that the vast majority of the time, we’re only a quick ride away from quality trauma care and the TQ will not be in place long enough to do damage before you’re under professional care.
 
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Yep. That's where she used to work..
It's been handy havin some "professional care" around the house sometimes..
I ain't overly graceful.. 😫🤪 Whatever happened to the lil black eyed smiley?
Tim said:
The idea being that the vast majority of the time, we’re only a quick ride away from quality trauma care and the TQ will not be in place long enough to do damage before you’re under professional care.
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I always cringe a bit when I hear people telling everyone to have a tourniquet. You really should know how and when to apply it if you are carrying one but the upside is that there may be someone at the scene that knows the how and when of applying it. I definitely need a refresher, will get in a class as soon as I can.

@Tim makes a great point that we all concentrate on the big items in an IFAK/med kit/etc but sometimes forget the items we are most likely to use like the lowly band aid.
 
chris69 said:
I always cringe a bit when I hear people telling everyone to have a tourniquet. You really should know how and when to apply it if you are carrying one but the upside is that there may be someone at the scene that knows the how and when of applying it. I definitely need a refresher, will get in a class as soon as I can.

@Tim makes a great point that we all concentrate on the big items in an IFAK/med kit/etc but sometimes forget the items we are most likely to use like the lowly band aid.
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I agree (about knowing how to use a TQ, not about me making a great point, but I agree with that too), one should know how to use equipment they carry. When I started RO’ing just about every match I attend, I decided it was knowledge I needed. To date, I’ve taken at least 4 legit courses that involved TQ use. It’s a perishable skill, so I’ll seek out another every chance I get.
 
I’ve seen quite a few TQs misplaced or not used correctly. At least there’s YouTube right? That’s if you don’t have someone to show you or the ability to attend a course.
 
"As a nurse with 29+ years of experience, a fair amount of which was in ER and Trauma ICU, let me just reiterate the need for training not just in tourniquet use, but in everything you carry.....medical equipment, medications including antibiotics, application of dressings, etc. Many injuries where a tourniquet might be indicated are fairly sudden and unanticipated events. Severe bleeding can cause death in minutes, so even the short amount of time it takes to google "how to apply a tourniquet" could be the difference between life and death. A little time learning (and keeping the knowledge/skill up to date) beforehand goes a long way, provided it's quality instruction...not just what Dr. Google says."
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..I'm at least as guilty as the next guy and clueless about the use of such. I carry just enough lil mess afield to close somethin up or protect it till I can get home to professional care. The aforementioned bandaid assortment, goop, electrical tape w/gauze pads, a bit of coban and a few other odds-n-ends. That lil kit gets broken into very regularly, tho'..
Any "training" I can lay claim to is just from "being there" when it was administered on me. 🙄
That said, I'm still here and in one piece even with all my assorted "boo-boos".. :) Where's me some wood ta knock on?
 
It's a tourniquet, not opening the chest. I believe North American Rescue has videos on placement, I know tactical medical solutions does, and YouTube probably has about a hundred. Higher than the wound, so tight you can't get more in a couple fingers at most under it, and turn until you can't turn anymore. That's about it. Oh, and if they are still bleeding, put on another one.

The whole thing about tourniquets supposed to be loosened never made sense to me because they put tourniquets on patients in the OR all the time and leave them on there for eight, 10, sometimes 12 hours. When they go on, they stay on.

It's been a few minutes since I taught Stop The Bleed but once I get on the other side of this cancer garbage I can blow the dust off that and a couple other classes.

@Tim , You're right and that we are only a few minutes' ride from a trauma center. Quality or not, they are designated trauma center nonetheless 😉.
 
Also be sure to inform the person (yourself) that it’s going to hurt like a SOB. I had someone shot in the arm who preferred the bullet over the TQ.
 
This is a great post. Actually feel along the lines of a question I asked myself recently; I have prepped and prepped, but have I "prepared".

Wife has Covid, shes' fine, but she could not go get her stitches out from her last dermatology surgery. They told her to go to an Urgent Care and she didn't want that. Anyway, I grabbed what I would call my Bag that has many of the same items intended to go with kits that I never put together. Even a great First Aid Kit that had a band-aid that no one carries, LOL. I took them out in 2 minutes while wearing a 3M N95 Respirator. (You can really tell they are not enforcing N95, because this was bought in 2009 during Swine Flu that I still had)

But, Do I have everything I need at a moments notice? NOPE. But I need to. I just don't know where to start!
 
VA_GENTLEMAN said:
This is a great post. Actually feel along the lines of a question I asked myself recently; I have prepped and prepped, but have I "prepared".

Wife has Covid, shes' fine, but she could not go get her stitches out from her last dermatology surgery. They told her to go to an Urgent Care and she didn't want that. Anyway, I grabbed what I would call my Bag that has many of the same items intended to go with kits that I never put together. Even a great First Aid Kit that had a band-aid that no one carries, LOL. I took them out in 2 minutes while wearing a 3M N95 Respirator. (You can really tell they are not enforcing N95, because this was bought in 2009 during Swine Flu that I still had)

But, Do I have everything I need at a moments notice? NOPE. But I need to. I just don't know where to start!
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I found myself in the same “wtf do I really need, at a minimum”. Watched a bunch of videos. Found this to be pretty straightforward on what you need, and some things you shouldn’t use/carry without proper training.

 
berf said:
some things you shouldn’t use/carry without proper training.
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I would emphasis the “shouldn’t USE”. Carrying a TQ, clotting agents, airway supplies etc. may be the difference between a qualified person that happens along having what’s needed or not.
 
Tim said:
I would emphasis the “shouldn’t USE”. Carrying a TQ, clotting agents, airway supplies etc. may be the difference between a qualified person that happens along having what’s needed or not.
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Just repeating the dude in the video, but mostly talking about the airway and chest needle. I plan on keeping them in my kit, but definitely not using one any time soon.
 
Chuckman said:
Or you can just listen to me 😉
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So, appreciate your knowledge and earlier note about what IFAKs are and what contents qualify. That said, I’m lucky to have not seen a bullet wound in my life. I’ve seen a couple knife fight victims, but we were already in the emergency room.

So my question, what would you pack for a normal day “just in case”. What’s in the bag every day while going to work? I know it might have some/all IFAK items but maybe some more or less?

So, what should we carry?
 
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