IFAK setup advice & what is the best compact gauze and compression bandages?

[zekus480]

I have one in my IFAK and 2 in my EDC pack. They are compact and have just enough materiel to do the job.

http://www.1110gear.com/cleer-medica...uma-bandage-4/

[noonesshowmonkey]

I have used my medical kit quite a bit at work.

-Shears. Exposing injuries is huge when you're getting after trauma.
-Gloves. At least two pairs. If you have spare space, consider packing in another set of gloves. I like to have a set for me, a set for a helper, and a third on hand in case one of the sets gets damaged.
-Permanent marker.
-Kerlix. I know that you said that space is an issue, but you can get compressed gauze from many sources. Tape it up if you really need to compress it further. It is way too useful to not have on hand.

Another thing to consider in your larger bags would be some basic 4x4s, a few bandaids. You'll end up reaching for those a lot more often than your needle-D.

[titsonritz]

I've got H & H compressed gauze and H-compression bandages in my kits and have found them to be pretty compact.
https://buyhandh.com/collections/ven...%26H%20Medical

[Hammered_Pair]

This is my world, former Combat Medic/FMF Corpsman. I see nothing wrong with your packing lists for the IFAKs. I look for multi use items for space saving, but you have functional kits outlined.

[Lowdown3]

The H and H compressed gauze is a great thing to fill out the smallest amount of space left in your kit. It opens up to a crazy amount of gauze.

For compression bandages the Israeli is still the main go to as far as I'm aware.

I bought a few of the new SOFT-TW tourniquets and I think I prefer these to the CAT.

[Adrenaline19]

I posted this on another IFAK thread but thought it a good idea to post here:

I have heard the IFAK is meant for use on yourself....by yourself or someone else using it on you. Understanding it could be used for/on someone else.
Do you carry 2 IFAK or an additional goody bag just in case?
Makes sense to have for yourself.

[hotrodder636]

My range IFAK sounds pretty much like your large IFAK. I have 2 pair of nitrile gloves in mine too.

First off I have TECC training, I took an 8 hour course with a local instructor who is a SWAT medic (I know I am not officially TECC certified). So please no "get training" comments.
We were taught in the course to be able to treat or at least stabilize most GSW's with rolled Kerlix gauze, ACE bandages, TQs and Chest seals (and how to improvise them).

We practiced with just regular rolled gauze and ACE bandages. I've found these often don't fit the best in any of my IFAKs, but the surplus compression bandages are also extremely bulky.
I guess what I'm asking is, what are some good options for regular gauze (maybe compressed) and ACE/ compression bandage that isn't as space consuming.

I have multiple IFAK's i'm working on setting up, a few small blowout IFAKs (just essentials) and some larger IFAKs.

So far for my small blowout IFAKs I plan on having the following:
-1x CAT TQ
-2x Chest Seal
-1x Combat Gauze
-1x ACE/ Compression bandage


For my larger IFAK's they will vary, but generally something along the following:
-1 to 2x CAT TQ or SOFTW (some may be mounted externally)
-2x Chest Seal
-1x Combat Gauze
-1x ACE Bandage
-1x regular gauze (compressed perhaps) (tbd)
-Emergency heat blanket
-Decompression needle
-Nasal Airway

Anything you guys think I'm missing in my IFAKs?

Thank you

[Caduceus]

If space is limited, you need the H&H compressed gauze.

AFAIK, there aren't compressed ACE wraps (they're pretty small already). I'd love to see a SHORTER ACE wrap, suitable for a single limb, instead of the ... 6 foot? .... standard size. You listening, Big Medical Supply Corporations?

I'd skip the chest seal in my blowout kit. My 'pocket' kit is an Israeli bandage, decompression needle, and a SWAT-T tourniquet. If someone is shot in the lung, you can use the bandage wrapper from the Israeli as an occlusive dressing. Heck, a gloved hand is airtight. Have someone fetch your bigger kit and have some tape options there (can 3-side the wrapper for an older 'flutter valve' design) or swap it for a dedicated chest seal dressing at that time. That being said, the injury patterns in the US tend to be not as time-dependent as overseas (handgun bullets are slower than IED shrapnel).

For your larger IFAQ ... I dunno, I don't pack a nasal airway. That allows me more compressed gauze (I try minimum 2, like people say, you can really go through it quick). If the patient needs a legit airway, then A) a nasal trumpet is kind of a joke anyway, and B) a decompression needle works for a short time. Having said that, training and scope of practice dictates if that's an option for you.

[teufelhund1918]

I have just one of those standard issue IFAK kits. Seems like there is alot of useless stuff in the issue kit. I need to put some more thought and training into a good one.

[1168]

I have just one of those standard issue IFAK kits. Seems like there is alot of useless stuff in the issue kit. I need to put some more thought and training into a good one.

What items do you find useless, and what is your level of training?