IFAK blowout kits

[xdpatriot]

I picked up a couple of the IFAK kits. They're worth the price for sure. The pouches are sturdy and the contents are about perfect for one person. Throw in a good CAT (tourniquet) and I think it's even better. These will go in packs and vehicles just to round out some needs. Got another free gift with the order too. Good way to do business.

[max velocity]

As a currentkly serving USAR 68W Combat Medic, here is a suggestion for your IFAK. The issue IFAK Pouches are very good, but beef them up as follows:

Suggestions for the IFAK:
• CAT Tourniquet x 2 (one carried in pants pocket).
• Needle decompression kit (pen case style).
• Occlusive dressing.
• Israeli pressure bandage.
• Kerlix or preferably:
• Combat Gauze (commercially available as Quick Clot brand)
• ACE bandage (for wrapping up Kerlix or combat gauze wound packing)
• Tape

[xdpatriot]

Thank you for the advice. Please keep it coming!

[max velocity]

Thank you for the advice. Please keep it coming!

Rgr That: if you keep encouraging me, I'll keep posting. Here is a little bit on Care Under Fire, at the point of wounding,. to illustrate the importance of CAT tourniquets. It's in my own words, not from a military manual:

In this phase the casualty is “on the X” at the point of wounding. This is the point of greatest danger for the CLS. An assessment should be made for signs of life (i.e. is the casualty obviously dead). Cover fire should be given and fire superiority achieved. The casualty should be told, if conscious, to either return fire, apply self-aid, crawl to cover or lay still (don’t tell them to “play dead!”). Once it becomes possible to reach the casualty, the only treatment given in the care under fire phase, if required, is tourniquet “high and tight” on a limb in order to prevent extremity bleeding. The casualty should be rapidly moved to cover (drag them). Be aware of crowding, secondary devices and “come-on” type attacks.
Tourniquet application: “high and tight” means right up at the top of the leg or arm, right in the groin (inguinal) or armpit (axial) region. The tourniquet needs to be cinched down tight to stop the bleeding.
When applying tourniquets, they need to be tight enough to stop the distal pulse i.e. the pulse in the foot or wrist, if the limb has not been traumatically amputated. You will not be able to check this pulse at this phase, so just get the tourniquet on tight and check the distal pulse as part of the next phase, tactical field care.