I have a couple of fairly comprehensive first aid kits I keep in my range bag and back packs. A lot of it is comprised from info in the IFAK sticky . What I am looking to accomplish is a small IFAK to wear on my belt. For purpose smaller and lighter are my goals. This will be used if / when my pack is not handy. This is what I am looking at, Blue Force Gear Micro Trauma kit. This seems perfect. Does anyone have one of these? Here are a couple of pics of the IFAK and the belt it is going on. The kit is available empty or filled already.
Medical / IFAK Pouch
- Thread starter MJF
- Start date
The kit looks good to me. Add a tourniquet as well. I like the size, it fills a good role, it just needs a tourniquet like a CAT 7 or a SOF-T.
I use a North America Rescue 'Roo' on my plate carrier. NAR just started a big sale today on all outdoor adventure and community preparedness products, not sure if there's anything in there useful to you in this application, but maybe for something else.
I use a North America Rescue 'Roo' on my plate carrier. NAR just started a big sale today on all outdoor adventure and community preparedness products, not sure if there's anything in there useful to you in this application, but maybe for something else.
I am concerned that the pouch itself may be too small. I'll fill it myself. I'll call them and get the dimensions of the kit.
The dimensions are 6" x 3.5" x 2.5" They told me the whole kit is kind of an elastic material that will stretch to accommodate more supplies.
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This is from their site..
For those wanting to fill an "empty" Micro TKN with their own supplies - be advised the pouch is very small and difficult to load with off the shelf trauma dressings or other components. The filled pouch is roughly the same size as a 6" Israeli bandage in the original packaging.
For those wanting to fill an "empty" Micro TKN with their own supplies - be advised the pouch is very small and difficult to load with off the shelf trauma dressings or other components. The filled pouch is roughly the same size as a 6" Israeli bandage in the original packaging.
For a small belt mount I have the ATS “Slimline Micro” IFAK.
holds what I want for an IFAK.
Also use their SOF Bleeder Rip Away pouch on MOLLE gear.
the NAR ones mentioned look good too.
I too like those new BFG tourniquet holders. Hold a pair if trauma shears tight behind the tourniquet too.
They are a step above the Mayflowers I used prior.
Im wary of the BFG “stretchy” stuff for mags/IFAK kits. Its a bit of a pain to get mags or gear in compared to Cordura.
And yes, I own some. And thats what I am basing this on.
holds what I want for an IFAK.
Also use their SOF Bleeder Rip Away pouch on MOLLE gear.
the NAR ones mentioned look good too.
I too like those new BFG tourniquet holders. Hold a pair if trauma shears tight behind the tourniquet too.
They are a step above the Mayflowers I used prior.
Im wary of the BFG “stretchy” stuff for mags/IFAK kits. Its a bit of a pain to get mags or gear in compared to Cordura.
And yes, I own some. And thats what I am basing this on.
I made the mistake of ordering the BFG micro trauma kit, don’t do it If you want to run your own medical supplies. The concept of the pouch is great; however, I was never able to get the supplies into it that I wanted and should have fit. I ran it for about a month before switching to the HSGI reflex ifax system. It is only slightly larger than the BFG, has separate, easy access compartments for your TQ’s and the design of it gives you the option of running whatever medical supplies you want to. Many of my buddies (mostly velcro loving Swat monkeys) have switched the HSGI and they absolutely love it as well. When wearing it at 6 o’clock on my belt it really feels no different than the BFG did and I have the supplies I want with me.
I have a version of the HSGI IFAK with a module held inside a sleeve accessed by pull cords.
Looks to be similar size as the Reflex, maybe Reflex replaced it.
Great setup but I find it may even be too big and allowed me to stuff shit in there nice to have but not IFAK necessary.
Its a tough thing to find what is "just right" according to what you find is absolutely necessary for your skill level.
If you have a surplus store nearby might be worth your time to look at generic pouches and see if any will meet your needs even if it was not specifically designed for the IFAK role.
Just be sure to buy quality constructed canvas.
Looks to be similar size as the Reflex, maybe Reflex replaced it.
Great setup but I find it may even be too big and allowed me to stuff shit in there nice to have but not IFAK necessary.
Its a tough thing to find what is "just right" according to what you find is absolutely necessary for your skill level.
If you have a surplus store nearby might be worth your time to look at generic pouches and see if any will meet your needs even if it was not specifically designed for the IFAK role.
Just be sure to buy quality constructed canvas.
Thank you all for the replies.
It looks like the HSGI is the one for me. Originally it was a toss up between BFG and HSGI. If the Micro kit is to small to hold the bare minimum of supplies to stop a bleed, then it becomes another $75.00 sitting in box with all the other unused pouches.
It looks like the HSGI is the one for me. Originally it was a toss up between BFG and HSGI. If the Micro kit is to small to hold the bare minimum of supplies to stop a bleed, then it becomes another $75.00 sitting in box with all the other unused pouches.
I use an HSGI pouch for my emergency kit along with the larger med kit I carry in my pack. I also use a small pouch for a minors kit (some call them boo boo kits) that I carry some routine first aid supplies. I’m a retired Corpsmen so I tend to carry extra medical gear. Here is the HSGI pouch I use:
Booboo kit. I like that.
i carry each as well. Especially in the truck, with kids and all.
but my kid is learning. Dried blood on a leg or forearm looks tough, a Mickey bandaid is for wimps. She calls out a lot of grown-ups for being sallys.
I use that for everything that doesnt need a cast, surgery, or sutures.
Annoys people as my triage threshold for whats actually injured is kinda high.
Have even been called a sadist....
i carry each as well. Especially in the truck, with kids and all.
but my kid is learning. Dried blood on a leg or forearm looks tough, a Mickey bandaid is for wimps. She calls out a lot of grown-ups for being sallys.
I use that for everything that doesnt need a cast, surgery, or sutures.
Annoys people as my triage threshold for whats actually injured is kinda high.
Have even been called a sadist....
So I take my minors kit, some folks call it a boo boo kit, I call it a minors kit.....
I use an older gen of the HSGI Trauma Kit Now and it comfortably fits all I need. Yes it's a bit of a piglet, but in the heat of the moment everything is visible and accessible. I use a 1" webbing belt with quick release buckle and keep it on the small of my back. As soon as I open the trunk at the range it goes on and stays on until I drive home.
A thing to consider is who is going to be using the kit on you? I am regularly at my range alone, so I have geared the kit for self aid. Self access is easy with either hand. In the event I am not capable and someone else jumps in to assist, I definitely do not want them to screw around with an NPA tube or chest needle. I never received formal training on those during my military days but even if I had, that is a perishable skillset and you can very quickly worsen the condition of someone by using them in the wrong way or time.
I've actually been thinking about making a kit with a laminted quick set of instructions for a would-be medic. I genuinely think this is something lacking out there. Most folks have no clue how to site and apply a TQ, much less pack a wound with Combat Gauze.
A thing to consider is who is going to be using the kit on you? I am regularly at my range alone, so I have geared the kit for self aid. Self access is easy with either hand. In the event I am not capable and someone else jumps in to assist, I definitely do not want them to screw around with an NPA tube or chest needle. I never received formal training on those during my military days but even if I had, that is a perishable skillset and you can very quickly worsen the condition of someone by using them in the wrong way or time.
I've actually been thinking about making a kit with a laminted quick set of instructions for a would-be medic. I genuinely think this is something lacking out there. Most folks have no clue how to site and apply a TQ, much less pack a wound with Combat Gauze.
I agree with the laminated instructions. I figure my kit is for me to use on myself or somebody else. I think in a normal civilian situation the people around you, more than likely do not know any first aid, nor will they step up to the plate to provide any assistance. { which is sad } The card will be a big benefit for those who are willing to help.
My wife saw a lady on a motorcycle get Tboned right in front of her last fall. Lower leg amputation resulting.
She went over to help buy had nothing for first aid gear.
Luckily someone showed up with skills and used their belt to TQ her off.
My wife can schedule a "Stop the Bleed" class through her position at work but CV19 kind of dashed that hope.
Best I could do was give her a good first aid kit with TQ and tell her to hand it to whomever knows what they are doing.
Pretty sure Chinook has some FA cards....stand by Ill research and come back.
She went over to help buy had nothing for first aid gear.
Luckily someone showed up with skills and used their belt to TQ her off.
My wife can schedule a "Stop the Bleed" class through her position at work but CV19 kind of dashed that hope.
Best I could do was give her a good first aid kit with TQ and tell her to hand it to whomever knows what they are doing.
Pretty sure Chinook has some FA cards....stand by Ill research and come back.
Couple options, look to big for an IFAK though.....
www.chinookmed.com
www.chinookmed.com
www.chinookmed.com
BookPal, LLC Emergency First Aid Pocket Guide
The "Emergency First Aid Pocket Guide" explains the essentials of emergency first aid in a pocket-sized, easy-to-follow reference guide.
Jones & Bartlett Publishers Rapid 1st Responder
The second edition of the First Responder Pocket Guide by Will Chapleau is full of essential information and reference tables in a convenient format.
Chinook - TCCC Book Tactical Combat Casualty Care Reference Book
Our TCCC Reference Book follows the 1 Aug 2018 Tactical Combat Casualty Care Guidelines. Includes 9-line and MIST report. Waterproof and tear-proof.
Agreed and perhaps too long. I'm thinking along these lines:
(linked direct from https://darkangelmedical.com/blog/tourniquet-the-limbs-pack-the-junctions-seal-the-box-7165d5/)
With corresponding pages/cards with just a little more clarify like how tight for the TQ, how far up from the wound etc. Simple, LARGE CLEAR text. I'll play around a bit and see what I can come up with.
I'm also thinking about a tip I heard about pulling Israeli bandages (common here in Canada) out of the original package and re-sealing in a vacuum bag with combat gauze to make a bleeder pack. I have this idea in my mind to match the colours from the image above to the kit in a single, vacuum sealed pouch. Basically the responder grabs the card, sees "seal the box" in relation to a chest wound and then grabs things with a green sticker from the pack to get to work.
Still working this out in my mind. Would be amazing to have an actual medical SME vet any thoughts and then open source this to the community with prepared PDFs for the materials and suggestions for how to arrange the kit.
Agreed and perhaps too long. I'm thinking along these lines:
(linked direct from https://darkangelmedical.com/blog/tourniquet-the-limbs-pack-the-junctions-seal-the-box-7165d5/)
With corresponding pages/cards with just a little more clarify like how tight for the TQ, how far up from the wound etc. Simple, LARGE CLEAR text. I'll play around a bit and see what I can come up with.
I'm also thinking about a tip I heard about pulling Israeli bandages (common here in Canada) out of the original package and re-sealing in a vacuum bag with combat gauze to make a bleeder pack. I have this idea in my mind to match the colours from the image above to the kit in a single, vacuum sealed pouch. Basically the responder grabs the card, sees "seal the box" in relation to a chest wound and then grabs things with a green sticker from the pack to get to work.
Still working this out in my mind. Would be amazing to have an actual medical SME vet any thoughts and then open source this to the community with prepared PDFs for the materials and suggestions for how to arrange the kit.
Put yourself in the shoes of the lowest common denominator and think from that perspective.
The lowest common denominator will be all the people running around with the mindset that everything is somebody else's responsibility. These people will be worthless in any situation, with or without instructions.
One thing I carry in all of my first aid kits is Super glue. I restore old axes and the edge that can be put on 100 year old steel is shocking. These things will slice a piece of ham so thin it only has one side. Working with them leads to a lot of deep cuts. Super glue is my go to for stopping the bleeding, in lieu of going in for stitches.
One thing I carry in all of my first aid kits is Super glue. I restore old axes and the edge that can be put on 100 year old steel is shocking. These things will slice a piece of ham so thin it only has one side. Working with them leads to a lot of deep cuts. Super glue is my go to for stopping the bleeding, in lieu of going in for stitches.
Could you be specific about the Israeli bandage and combat gauze? Like what is and how to use a "bleeder pack"?Agreed and perhaps too long. I'm thinking along these lines:
(linked direct from https://darkangelmedical.com/blog/tourniquet-the-limbs-pack-the-junctions-seal-the-box-7165d5/)
With corresponding pages/cards with just a little more clarify like how tight for the TQ, how far up from the wound etc. Simple, LARGE CLEAR text. I'll play around a bit and see what I can come up with.
I'm also thinking about a tip I heard about pulling Israeli bandages (common here in Canada) out of the original package and re-sealing in a vacuum bag with combat gauze to make a bleeder pack. I have this idea in my mind to match the colours from the image above to the kit in a single, vacuum sealed pouch. Basically the responder grabs the card, sees "seal the box" in relation to a chest wound and then grabs things with a green sticker from the pack to get to work.
Still working this out in my mind. Would be amazing to have an actual medical SME vet any thoughts and then open source this to the community with prepared PDFs for the materials and suggestions for how to arrange the kit.
"Best I could do was give her a good first aid kit with TQ and tell her to hand it to whomever knows what they are doing."
Even though my EMT license has long expired, my kit still includes OPAs, NPAs, and equipment to treat pneumothorax with the idea someone on the scene may have advanced training. I was once first responder to a serious accident and the second responder was an ER nurse with no kit. ALS skills weren't needed that day, but that lent credence to my over preparedness.
Even though my EMT license has long expired, my kit still includes OPAs, NPAs, and equipment to treat pneumothorax with the idea someone on the scene may have advanced training. I was once first responder to a serious accident and the second responder was an ER nurse with no kit. ALS skills weren't needed that day, but that lent credence to my over preparedness.
Heard about it here:
He actually uses an OLAES bandage in the video. They are less common here, we tend to find the Israeli ones available more.
In any event, a very nice and compact solution - it a chest seal and a SOF-TQ would make a very nice low profile kit for EDC.
Just a minor update - still working on the laminated insert, but I did get inspired to stitch together a little kit that is more handy for me than my previous solution.
Apologies to any professional gear manufacturers - I/m using a home machine and the sewing work is pretty awful. I'm happy with the carriage though.
I designed the kit and had a Canadian gear company laser cut me the cordura to stitch together.
Apologies to any professional gear manufacturers - I/m using a home machine and the sewing work is pretty awful. I'm happy with the carriage though.
I designed the kit and had a Canadian gear company laser cut me the cordura to stitch together.
Just a belt attach. I am usually alone at the range, so this way I have it regardless of what else I have on.
In all honesty I would not be comfortable selling one because I’m just screwing around at my kitchen table and I don’t want to be responsible for anyone else’s health and safety. Sorry.
I picked up a molle high viz vest on close out and stocked a med pouch with some basic trauma supplies that is mounted on that. Figured it is easy to find in a hurry and also makes it a lot harder for some rubbernecking motorist to hit me while I'm trying to save someone else!
I know they are scarce these days but the Coyote Tactical STOMPs ( http://www.coyotetacticalsolutions.com/slim-tear-off-medical-pouch-s-t-o-m-p-gen-2/ ) looks like a winner too. Pretty much what I made to be honest. I also couldn't possibly sell you one for what they are charging.
IFAK are as varied and personalized as our boom sticks and optics, what’s the mission perimeters, well for most of us the risk is there to see someone take lead by accident or stupidity or a car wreck add in this time of year those of us whom heat with wood are using the saws and axes and chains. And don’t forget the everyday stuff stop clot Israel bandages finger splints a bottle of neilMed for spraying out/ irrigation of wounds a tourniquet good scissors tweezers bandaids, yep even Elmo ones and some chapstick is a fair starting point. I have a 3x5 card taped to the inside flap of my “hillbilly trauma “ kit that says restore breathing stop bleeding treat for shock call the Cavalry. Just a reminder to think about the steps, don’t panic follow the game plan , a panicked person can’t render effective aid nor give emergency personnel an accurate account or accurate directions .
Side bar and I’ll stop my thread hijack - before we were married my wife was a 911 operator in a very very rural area with miles getting spotty cell service at best, an example of a call- Woodrow road my husband fell off a ladder and isn’t moving, “what is the location of your emergency?” My house he’s not moving! What’s the physical location? “Woodrow road on the curve” and it would be an old farm house 800 yards off the road with no lights and no mailboxes at the road cause they were for what ever reason all attached to the homes in that area. Point being wether it’s us that’s hurt of a loved one or stranger the first step in rendering aid is for us to remain calm as possible
Side bar and I’ll stop my thread hijack - before we were married my wife was a 911 operator in a very very rural area with miles getting spotty cell service at best, an example of a call- Woodrow road my husband fell off a ladder and isn’t moving, “what is the location of your emergency?” My house he’s not moving! What’s the physical location? “Woodrow road on the curve” and it would be an old farm house 800 yards off the road with no lights and no mailboxes at the road cause they were for what ever reason all attached to the homes in that area. Point being wether it’s us that’s hurt of a loved one or stranger the first step in rendering aid is for us to remain calm as possible
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The size is great for a fairly comprehensive FAK. I have an Israeli Bandage in there that takes up a ton of space even with the green packaging removed. It has a bungee adjustment system that expands or contracts to fit your needs. I could stuff a lot more in it versos what my pictures show.
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