Everything You Need to Know About Individual First Aid Kit

Stay safe in any situation with our comprehensive guide to assembling and using an individual first aid kit (IFAK). During emergencies, proper tools and supplies are crucial. An essential item to have is the individual first aid kit (IFAK). It is useful for camping, hiking, or even for emergencies at home. With an IFAK, injuries can be quickly and effectively treated.

IFAKs are compact and lightweight personal first aid kits containing essential items for treating injuries and illnesses. They are useful for military personnel, hikers, campers, and others. 

The purpose of an IFAK is to provide immediate care for life-threatening injuries and minor wounds until professional help arrives. It is not a replacement for medical care but can stabilize the condition of the casualty. This article delves into IFAKs, their contents, usage, and more. Let’s begin!

What is an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK)?

An IFAK is a small medical kit for one person. It contains wipes, bandages, and pain medicine, as well as items for severe injuries like tourniquets and needles. The contents may vary based on the user’s needs, but all IFAKs are lightweight and portable.

Why Do You Need an IFAK?

An IFAK can help you respond quickly to injuries in emergencies. Whether you’re hiking or want to be prepared at home, it can provide tools to manage minor injuries and even save lives in serious situations. In remote areas, an IFAK can be critical. You can give first aid to yourself or others if you have the right supplies and know-how.

What Should Your IFAK Contain?

Basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tape, gauze pads, sterile gloves, and pain relievers should be in every individual first aid kit (IFAK). Advanced supplies such as tourniquets, chest seals, hemostatic agents, decompression needles, and EpiPens can be added based on individual needs. You can add protective gear like masks, goggles, and gloves.

What goes into an IFAK?

An individual first aid kit (IFAK)’s contents can vary based on user needs, but there are essential items to include. These are:

Bleeding Control

Hemostatic agents assist in stopping bleeding by inducing blood clotting or wound sealing. Here are some examples:

Tourniquets: 

Applied as close to the wound as possible to halt arterial bleeding, but it can cause tissue and nerve damage if left on for too long.

Pressure bandages: 

Covers the wound completely to control bleeding, wrapped firmly without cutting off circulation.

Hemostatic dressings: 

Gauze or sponge that has a hemostatic agent and can be applied directly to the wound or packed into a deep wound or cavity.

Hemostatic powders: 

Granular hemostatic agent that forms a gel-like seal when sprinkled on a small to moderate external wound. Use a sterile dressing or bandage to cover.

Airway management devices

Airway management devices are tools for clearing or opening airways of individuals experiencing breathing difficulty due to injury, blockage, or sickness. You can insert them in the mouth, nose, or throat. Some examples are:

Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA): 

A soft tube put through the nose to let air go around blockages in the mouth or throat. It should be lubricated and sized based on nostril diameter.

Oropharyngeal airway (OPA): 

A hard plastic tool stops tongue blocking air in mouth. It should be measured and inserted with a tongue depressor or finger sweep.

Supraglottic airway (SGA): 

A soft plastic device inserted through the mouth, creating a seal around the voice box to allow air to pass through a tube into the lungs. It should be inflated and secured.

Cricothyrotomy kit: 

A set of instruments for emergency surgical procedures to create an artificial airway in the neck by inserting a tube through an incision in the cricothyroid membrane. Only trained personnel should use it as a last resort.

Chest seals

Chest seals are used for chest injuries like gunshot or stab wounds that let air or blood into the space between the lungs and chest wall. This may collapse a lung or cause a life-threatening issue known as tension pneumothorax. Chest seals stop air from entering or escaping the wound but allow blood to drain. Examples of chest seals are:

Occlusive dressings: 

A dressing that seals the wound, made of plastic, foil, or waxed paper. Apply it firmly over the wound and tape it on three sides, leaving one side open for blood to escape.

Ventilated chest seals: 

A dressing with a one-way valve that lets air exit but not enter the wound. Apply it over the wound in the direction of airflow.

Needle decompression kit: 

A set of instruments used to relieve pressure from tension pneumothorax. Insert a large-bore needle into the second intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the affected side of the chest. Use only if trained personnel are present and chest seals don’t work.

Splints

Splints support injured bones or joints, preventing further damage and easing pain. Splints can be made of various materials:  metal, plastic, wood, etc. Examples of splints include those made from cardboard or cloth.

SAM splint:

A thin sheet of aluminum covered with foam can be shaped to fit different body parts. Secure it in place with a bandage or tape.

Traction splint:

A device that applies a pulling force to a fractured limb to align the bone fragments and reduce muscle spasms. It consists of a rigid rod, pulley system, and straps. Use with caution and monitor for nerve or vascular problems.

Improvised splint:

A splint made from available materials, such as sticks, magazines, blankets, or clothing. Pad it with soft material to prevent pressure points and secure it with ties or tape.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs for bacterial infections to stop their spread and prevent complications. They can be taken by mouth, injection, or topically. Examples include:

Penicillins: 

These drugs block the cell wall of bacteria. Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, penicillin G, and penicillin V are some examples. Penicillins should be taken on an empty stomach with water and avoided by people with allergies or kidney problems.

Cephalosporins: 

Like penicillin, these drugs have wider activity. Cefalexin, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime are some examples. Take it with food or water. Don’t use it if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin.

Macrolides: 

These drugs block bacterial protein synthesis. Examples include Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin & Roxithromycin. They should be taken with food or water and avoided by those with allergies or liver problems.

Tetracyclines: 

These drugs block bacterial protein synthesis. Tetracycline, Doxycycline, minocycline, and oxytetracycline are examples. They should be taken on an empty stomach with water and avoided by those with allergies, kidney problems, or pregnancy/breastfeeding.

Aminoglycosides: 

These drugs block bacterial protein synthesis. Neomycin, streptomycin, Gentamicin, and tobramycin are examples. They should be injected by a professional and avoided by those with allergies or hearing problems.

Basic Medical Supplies

1. Gauze pads
2. Sterile gloves
3. Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
4. Advanced Medical Supplies
5. Tourniquet
6. Chest seal
7. Bandages (various sizes and types)
8. Antiseptic wipes
9. Adhesive tape
10. EpiPen (for severe allergic reactions)
11. Space blanket
12. Personal Protective Equipment
13. Face mask
14. Hemostatic agent (e.g., QuikClot)
15. Decompression needle
16. Eye protection
17. Disposable gloves

Using an IFAK

During emergencies, use your IFAK for effective first aid. It includes basic techniques like cleaning wounds, stopping bleeding, and immobilizing broken bones. However, only people with proper training should use advanced medical techniques like tourniquets or decompression needles.

To use an individual first aid kit (IFAK), assess the situation, identify threats, and then provide first aid to those in need. Use the supplies in the IFAK.

Maintaining Your IFAK

Check and replace any expired or used supplies regularly to ensure that your individual first aid kit (IFAK) is ready for use. Keep the item in a cool, dry location and shield it from extreme temperatures and moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using an IFAK, avoid using supplies incorrectly, failing to sanitize your hands and equipment, attempting advanced medical techniques without proper training, and failing to replace expired or used supplies.

IFAK vs. First Aid Kit: What’s the Difference?

First aid kits are larger and contain more supplies for treating multiple people or serious injuries. IFAKs are compact and portable for individual use in emergencies.

Where to Buy an IFAK

IFAKs are available online from outdoor and survival gear stores, medical supply companies, and online marketplaces. Choose a reputable seller for a high-quality IFAK with the necessary supplies.

Creating Your Own DIY IFAK

To make your own IFAK, find online resources for supply recommendations. Ensure supplies are high-quality and suitable for emergencies.

Conclusion

(Individual First Aid Kit) IFAKs offer vital aid during emergencies, saving lives and preventing harm. Ensure your pre-made or self-made kit remains functional with regular checks.