Best IFAKs and Trauma Kits
Lets face it, fortunately, most of us are not going to need to use our firearms but we carry them just in case we do.
Well, we have a much higher chance of needing medical attention, or providing it for someone else nearby. So lets look at IFAKs and Trauma Kits.
What is an IFAK/Trauma Kit
For those who do not know what a IFAK and trauma kit are we will take the opportunity to give you a brief overview. IFAK stands for “Individual First Aid Kit”. Trauma kits are similar in that they carry many of the same supplies as the IFAK and vice versa.
The kits contain a variety of medical supplies. You should only purchase or build the kit that suits your level of medical training. Do not buy a kit that contains items that you can’t identify or not necessary.
Why Do I Need a IFAK/Trama Kit
You may be wondering, “Now why do I even need an IFAK/trauma kit if I concealed carry?” First, 85% of deaths out in the field or range are a result from blood loss, so it is really important to be prepared.
The majority of CCW holders have never actually had to use their weapon, but they have it on them for safety. Thus, for the most part, you’re hopefully will never have to use the trauma kit.
However, if you are ever in a situation where either your gun fires accidentally, or there is an active shooter nearby, you will be one of the few people prepared to administer help and possibly save a life.
How to Build Your Own Kit
There are two ways to obtain your IFAK/trauma kit. First you could build it yourself, or you can purchase your own kit already assembled from a retailer. We will include some examples and reviews of kits later.
The biggest issue when building your own IFAK/trauma kit is knowing your level of medical experience. Be sure to get some training.
But don’t only use books and videos to gain medical training. Be sure to seek out local classes. Check with your local gun ranges, as well as local hospitals. They can get you in touch with some great classes.
Kit Supplies
If you decide to build your own kit, it should at the very minimum include:
- Tourniquet
- Quick Clot
- Gauze
- Sheers
- Gloves
- Adhesive Tape
- Instant Cold Pack
- Simple Sting Cream
- Antiseptic Spray or wipes
- Burn Cream
- Bottle of water to flush out wound
- Compression Bandage
- Clotting Gauze
Pre-made IFAK and Trauma Kits
Pre-made trauma kits can keep the guess work out of “Well, which tourniquet do I buy? Does it matter what kind of sheers? What are medical sheers anyway?” And I am sure the list goes on.
So let’s make this easier for the folks who have a little less experience and less time to to go through every review of the products suggested.
We have listed two of our favorites below.
Echo Sigma Trauma Kit
The Echo Sigma Trauma Kit, shown above, is great for hikes, camping, and anytime you may be far away from society. This is a medical grade kit. It assists in stabilizing life-threatening injuries and traumatic injuries. Included in the kit is:
- 1 Condor Outdoor MA41 Rip-Away EMT Pouch
- 1 C.A.T. Combat Tourniquet
- 1 Celox RAPID Hemostatic Gauze
- 1 Adventure Medical Suture/Syringe Kit
- 1 Pair of Gloves, Nitrile, Hand Wipe
- 1 Angiocatheter, 18G X 1 ¼”
- 1 Needle, Disposable, Sterile, 18G X 1 ½”
- 1 Needle, Disposable, Sterile 21G X 1 ½”
- 1 Needle, Disposable, Sterile, 25G X 5/8”
- 1 Suture, Nylon, 5-0
- 1 Syringe, 1 cc with Needle
- 1 Syringe, Luer Lok, 3ml
- 3 After Cuts & Scrapes Anethestic/Antiseptic Wipe
- 4 Alcohol Swabs
- 1 N.A.R. Emergency Trauma Dressing 6”
- 2 N.A.R. Compressed Gauze
- 1 Pair Trauma Shears
- 2 Rolls Adhesive Dressing Tape
- 2 Pair N.A.R. Black Talon Nitrile Gloves
Echo Sigma Compact Trauma Kit
The Echo Sigma Compact Trauma Kit , shown above, is a more compact version, but still contains all you would need for a major wound. Depending on your needs, both are excellent options. Included in this kit is:
- 1 Condor Outdoor Rip-Away EMT Lite Pouch
- 1 C.A.T. Combat Tourniquet
- 1 N.A.R. Emergency Trauma Dressing 6”
- 1 N.A.R. Compressed Gauze
- 1 Pair Trauma Shears
- 1 Rolls Adhesive Dressing Tape
- 1 Pair N.A.R. Black Talon Nitrile Gloves
Trauma Kit Video
Conclusion
Remember when your mom always told you, “Better to be safe than sorry,” when you would refuse to put your jacket on and it was freezing outside? Well, imagine I’m your mom, better to be safe and have a trauma kit and not need it, then accidentally shoot yourself and not have one.
Al Capone, Lil’ Wayne, and Peter Fonda are just some of the celebrities that have accidentally fired a weapon and injured themselves. Accidental shootings resulted in about 130,557 deaths last year. Imagine how many could have been saved if someone possessed a trauma kit.
These kits are great to have around, but lets face it, most of us would be keeping them in our car, home, or backpack. If you are looking for something to carry on your person to stop the bleeding check out our article on Best Tourniquets.
