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
A brief IFAK packing pictorial I made. Follow link, look at the pictures and come back with questions. Remember that IFAK is an individual first aid kit, and TECC is more aid bag oriented, so some of that stuff may not fit in a belt or IBA mounted IFAK. If your CAT is still in its wrapper, you are wrong. You can attach extra CATs to MOLLE or belts with a rubber band or put it in a flashbang pouch. The guaze in my kit is Quick Clot Combat Gauze, z-folded and vacuum packed. The compression bandage/pressure dressing is a .mil issued ETD/Israeli 4” Emergency Trauma Dressing, with the outermost wrapper removed.
Thanks! Ill check that out, I appreciate it. Our course focused on personal aid (using basic bandages on yourself and one handed TQ application) and we also of course practiced wound packing and TQs on others.
All my CATs are out of their packaging and have been refolded for one handed application.
When space-limited…
There are smaller options for trauma dressings such as the thin packed H bandages, mini-Israelis, flat packed OLAES.
Hemo gauze is packed small, and almost everyone makes non-hemo gauze that’s vacuum packed to the size of a deck of cards or smaller. Or thinner like the Z-Pak.
For compression, carrying small rolls of esmark, thera-band, or SWAT-Ts is much smaller than trauma dressings or control wrap/ACE.
Nothing wrong with a bunch of wraps and gauze in lieu of packaged trauma dressings. And it’s much more flexible.
I ended up buying 2x NAR ETD 4" bandages, 2x Hyfin vented chest seals (dual packs), 3x Combat gauze, 2x NAR decomp needle (14GA), 2 Nasal airways and some NAR S folded compressed gauze.
I already have some med supplies myself, like nasal airways, israeli bandages, compressed gauze, etc.
This should fill up 2 full sized IFAKs and two small IFAKs.
There is more than one way to acheive desired effects, and much of what is in my IFAK was chosen because it was issued for the purpose of going in a IFAK. So it is roughly standardized to what a grunt is carrying.
In a first aid kit, CLS bag, or aid bag, it is best to consider products and devices that are versatile and adaptable to do more than one thing. For example, an ACE wrap and a couple 5x9’s can make a pretty decent pressure dressing, but also do other things better than a pre-packed pressure dressing. Such as wrap an ankle.
If you’re planning on using nasopharyngeal airways, a little packet of gel lubricant is a good idea. It costs almost nothing, eases the insertion of the airway, and decreases the likelihood of bleeding. If you have access to lidocaine jelly, gel, or ointment, that’s even better.
Good info here already. Regular gauze can be a bit bulky and space is at a premium in most of my kits, so compressed gauze makes sense. I’ve had good luck with H&H Flat Compressed Gauze and recently picked up some of their Tacgauze, which looks promising. It’s impressive how much gauze material can be compressed into the vacuum packed envelope.
-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.
I would say your small IFAK is too small, you either need to squeeze more stuff in or get a bigger pouch. I know you’re looking for smaller options but you need to make your pouch fit the gear then the other way around. The stuff doesnt need to fit neatly inside, squeeze anything you can fit inside. I always carry at least two IFAKs set up as follows:
CAT Tourniquet
NPA
Gloves
Israeli Bandage
Roller Gauze (Kerlex)
3in Silk Tape
14ga 3 1/4in needle
Chest Seal Gauze
Old style field dressing
Trauma knife or shears
I can also squeeze a cravat inside. I think your set up with two chest seals is okay, but why not get a needle in there? I would also add more compressed or roller gauze (Kerlex). Like three or four more rolls at least; if you need to pack a an arterial bleed you would easily use at two if not more. I also carry two extra pouches just for kerlex and CAT’s on my medic rig. You look to be on the right track, though I’d say lose the blanket, that is something more suited for a pack, rather than and IFAK, the space it takes up could be used for kerlex or a cravat. I know roller gauze is bulky but its far easier to control your roll and handle it in an efficient manner when packing a wound. Hemostatic gauze is fine, but its expensive and if you cant afford it, you can use kerlex instead. You dont need hemostatic gauze, its just really nice to have and gives you an extra edge. I didnt see if you have tape, get some tape.
One question, this is a “Range IFAK”? Are you the target, or is it a down range IFAK
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.
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.
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.
I carry a Coyote Tactical Solutions burrito with their medical insert on my duty belt. I’ve replaced the trauma blanket with more compressed gauze.
I have a Spiritus Mk4 that I use for training/active shooter response. On that I have two hyfin vents, combat gauze, compressed gauze, and a CAT on a tourniquet dangler on the bottom. Since it’s in the half flap part I don’t have room for much more. I obviously omitted certain things on my Mk4, but they all serve as redundancies due to my belt mounted IFAK and the medic bag I keep in my cruiser.
There are things contained within a military IFAK that aren’t necessary in a civilian one in most situations. Like an IV starter kit.
When I’m space limited I keep it to:
-Tourniquet
-Hyfins
-Combat gauze
-Compressed gauze
I’d prefer to have additional gauze over a pressure dressing to maximize surface contact within the wound.
