A number of years ago I started putting together Emergency Packs for myself, family and friends. As part of that, I also put together IFAKs (Individual First Aid Kits). As the world became meaner with an increase in the number of mass shootings I felt the need to go further with my First Aid preparations and build out full-on Trauma Kits.
The picture above shows what I keep in my car at all times. Below, I will breakdown the Trauma Kit I keep in my place. Their load outs are exactly the same except for two things which will be noted.
If you choose to outfit your own, you might place different emphases on things. This is merely what I have determined that I want in mine. Use it as a guide.
The three items of note here are:
- Tourniquet in Pouch — North American Rescue C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet. These are the gold standard. Previously, I’d carried some lesser brands. But I realized that I needed to ensure that the ones I carried were sure to work. I’ve kept the others as backups but they are not the first thing I would reach for.
- Trauma Shears in Pouch — These go hand-in-hand with the tourniquets. In an emergency you may need to cut through a number of things to address the wound. A quality set of shears is a must.
- 4” Israeli Bandage — These can be applied one-handed. These are exceptionally well designed and practical bandages to carry. A must have.
From the Top Left —
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment.
- 3M Steri-Strip Reinforced Skin Closures — These are similar to Butterfly Bandages. These are NOT a replacement for sutures.
- Povidone-Iodine Prep Pads — These are a type of antiseptic wipes. Can be used as a replacement for or in conjunction with alcohol prep pads.
- Covidien Webcol Large Alcohol Prep Pads — For cleaning wounds.
- Eye Drops — These are not the brand that was blinding people.
- Curad Small Alcohol Prep Pads — For cleaning wounds.
- Band-Aids — Multiple Sizes.
- Dental Floss — You might be surprised at the needs and uses for some kind of thread or cordage.
From the Top Left —
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Celox Hemostatic Granules 15g Packet — This is for large wounds. It is capable of stopping arterial bleeding. It’s primary component is Chitosan which is derived from shellfish. Testing has not shown any allergic reaction from people who have Shellfish Allergies. There are other things that can accomplish the same task. Some induce scabbing and others are based off of volcanic rock. Based on my research, Celox is better because it is easier for professionals to clean out of a wound after use than the others. I do NOT keep this in the car because the heat would make it useless.
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North American Rescue Hyfin Vent Chest Seal — For gunshot wounds.
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Eight DIY Chest Seals — These are spares/backups for the above. These would be suitable if there were more than one victim with chest wounds. They would need to be taped around the edges and the wound burped as needed.
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4” Israeli Bandage — This is the same one seen on the outside of the Trauma Kit.
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4” Self-Closing Bandage Wrap.
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5 Surgical Masks.
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2x 4” Conforming Gauze Bandages.
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4x Large Surgical Pads.
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8x Small Gauze Pads.
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2x Foil Mylar Emergency Blankets.
From the Top Left —
- 30+ Feet #36 Tarred Bank Line — I mentioned above the possible need for cordage. Bank Line is nylon and very strong. The tarring makes it waterproof and capable of holding a knot. This is something that I also include in all my packs.
- 10x Hand Sanitizer Wipes.
- 5x Sets of Nitrile Gloves.
- 2x 4” Conforming Gauze Bandages.
- 4” Self-Closing Bandage Wrap.
- 3” Self-Closing Bandage Wrap.
- Container with Packets for Stings and Sunburns.
- 4x Padded Aluminum Finger Splints.
- Duct Tape — Half a Roll (+-5yds). This is also something I include in all my packs.
- Waterproof Tape.
- 6x 2g Celox Hemostatic Granules Packets. Like the larger quantity above, I do NOT keep this in the car because the heat would make it useless.
- 24” Padded Aluminum Splint.
From the Top Left —
- 10 Tampons without plastic applicators — These are specifically made to absorb blood. Useful for packing wounds.
- 4x 4” Conforming Gauze Bandages.
- North American Rescue C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet.
- 4x Extra Large Surgical Dressings.
- 1x Foil Mylar Emergency Blanket.
- Small Hand Sanitizer.
- 5x Regular Feminine Pads — Like the Tampons above.
I will readily admit that what I’ve put together here can be considered OTT (Over The Top) or Excessively Anally-Retentive. I’m cool with that. The point is that this is what I feel I need to be prepared.
I welcome any comments or questions.
Completely unrelated to this post: I special ordered a new T-Shirt and it arrived yesterday. I’m just waiting for the next warm, sunny day to wear it.