What is an Individual First Aid Kit and Why You Should Carry One
You’ve probably heard of the importance of always being prepared for emergency situations. But are you truly ready to render first aid when a loved one needs it? An individual first aid kit, or IFAK, can make all the difference in an emergency.
What is an IFAK?
An IFAK is a portable kit worn on an individual’s person that contains medical supplies an individual can use to administer life-saving first aid to a wound or injury. The acronym IFAK stands for Individual First Aid Kit; and while having one is a fantastic idea, not all IFAKS are created equal. IFAKS can range from basic to extremely advanced based on the training and competency of the individual. IFAKs typically include essentials like:
- Tourniquets to control severe bleeding
- Wound packing gauze to mitigate junctional hemorrhaging
- Pressure dressings or Gauze pads of different sizes for applying pressure to wounds
- Chest seals to prevent penetrating thoracic trauma from developing into a collapsed lung
- NPAs and OPAs
- Medical tape to secure dressings in place
- Hydrogel for burn treatment
- Antiseptic wipes to clean wounds before bandaging
- Nitrile gloves to protect you from bloodborne pathogens
- Trauma shears for cutting clothes to access wounds
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- A marker to record treatment times, vital signs, patient medical history and more
Having an IFAK can literally be lifesaving in an emergency situation. Some reasons to carry a basic, intermediate, or if you’re adequately trained an advanced first aid kit:
• You may be the first person on scene during an accident or injury. Basic first aid can stabilize a person and reduce the severity of injuries or likelihood of fatality until medical professionals arrive on scene.
• Outdoor enthusiasts in remote areas may have to wait hours or even days for help to arrive. An IFAK ensures you have the tools to treat injuries and keep a person alive until rescue.
• Disasters like earthquakes, fires, or floods can overwhelm emergency response teams. Being able to render self-care and assist others is critical.
• An IFAK can and should be customizable to specific environments where certain injuries may be more likely to occur than others. Some examples of different kits for different environments would include:
- Tactical Responder IFAK
- Civilian Responder IFAK
- Wilderness Survival IFAK
- Wildland Firefighter IFAK
The contents of the kits listed above will vary based on the risks that each environment poses to the individual operating within that environment. Remember, its vital to carry the right tools for the right job!
Conclusion
So consider purchasing a professional grade IFAK for any high risk occupations or hobbies as well as keeping secondary kits in your vehicle, workplace, and at home. Feel free to add basic components such as Band-Aids, ointments, or emergency contact numbers to your kit as well. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing you have the supplies to provide immediate care during an emergency. An IFAK could be the difference between life and death for yourself or a loved one.
Stay Response Ready.