Importance of an IFAK
There is a lot of cool guy gear that everyone wants to talk
about but seldom is first aid thrust onto the list as something cool. However,
from my experience, I am much more likely to use my first aid kit than I have
used my firearm in the decade I have been carrying. The one here on JM4 Tactical’s shop is the
standard and a great one to look at to carry on your person or in your bag.
Here are some of the benefits of what it has.
Tourniquets for many years were shunned as unnecessary and
causing injuries. However, with the war on terror and the need to stop the
bleeding, these are necessary for carrying. While in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan,
some of my NCOs carried more than one. While the military designs the kit to be
used on yourself, I always take one extra just in case. I would caution that
you get some training on where to place them to stop the bleeding of a significant
injury before in the heat of the moment.
Quick clot is an amazing invention that does exactly that.
It helps to clot the blood and stop the bleeding. This product is for a severe
injury but not one that has hit a significant artery, where the tourniquet
comes in. I have used this on a nasty cut on my leg. I couldn’t get to stop
bleeding when I was out hunting (a sharp piece of wire I didn’t see cut right
through my pants).
Chest seal: if you or someone you are rendering aid to needs
this, it is a severe bad way, with a bad puncture to the chest. If not used,
that injury can lead to a collapsed lung. While I have used it in training, I
have not in person. However, I carry one just in case.
Gloves, bandages, Gauze, Marker, and Shears: These are more
of the items that I have used more readily. Gloves are a good idea, but in the
heat of the moment, I frequently have forgotten to put them on… don’t be like
me. Bandages and gauze are self-explanatory, and with three kiddos, I have used
these more than any other items. The marker is good to triage or annotate which
time you put the tourniquet on, and the shears are good if you have a compound fracture
and need to remove clothing but can’t.
Other good items to stock:
Aspirin: If someone you are around has a heart attack,
chewing an aspirin could save their life.
Nasal Pharyngeal: Awesome rubber tube you can insert through
the nose if there is a blockage in the throat. I have had it done to me in
training, and while it is not pleasant, it takes up minimal space and is
suitable for restoring the airway. Also, lubricant is vital, so either packet
of lube or spit works…. gross maybe, but it works.
Tweezers: Splinters happen, and a good pair of tweezers is
likely more often used than most
Moleskin: If you have ever had a blister on your feet, you
know they are miserable to walk on. Moleskin is fantastic for that area, and I
have also used it on a burn blister on my hand if it’s too expensive. Duct tape
works great in a pinch.
Also be sure to check out JM4 Tactical for your holster needs!
Author: Ian Bolser
