Gunsup's IFAK v3

[GunsUp]

I posted v1 of my FAK a year ago, everybody yelled at me that it was too big and I said nuh-uh, then I tried to pack the damn thing around for a day in my BOB and reluctantly agreed. I tore it down and made v2 which I was scared to post for about 6 months. I finally posted v2 a few weeks ago and Apache pointed out I didn't have enough dressing or anyway to care for a major wound for 3-5 days. I of course disagreed as a knee-jerk reaction again, then after sitting down and taking a long look at the situation and again reluctantly agreed. Time for another remake.

Here is v3, hopefully I got it right this time, I'm pretty happy with it. Let me know what you would add or remove or alter. I'll try and take criticism well, but if I don't, I'll own up to it if I ever come to agree with you

The purpose of this kit is to support me on a 3-5 day bugout, and temporarily patch up any serious trauma. (I know if my lung is punctured I'm probably not going to survive very long without professional medical attention, but that doesn't mean I don't want to try.)




The large nylon pouch that is spread open is the main FAK that goes on the outside of my gear it is the condor rip-away EMT pouch. It is a very spacious pouch with a carry handle and a MOLLE base that it is secured to by velcro and a fastex buckle. It has 3 PALS webbing strips and a 5"x1.5" velcro loop patch pouch on the front of it if you want to attach something to the outside. I know a lot of people hate condor but there have been a few pieces of their gear that I am very happy with and this is one of them. The two vacuum packed items are supplements inside my main pack.

General Purpose Items
2 Nitrile Glove Pairs
5 Nitrile Glove Pairs (in vacuum pack)
1 EMT Shears
1 Hand Sanitizer, 1oz
1 1" Durapore Tape
1 1" Durapore Tape (in vacuum pack)
1 Thermometer
1 Dental Repair Kit
1 Eye Drops 0.5oz
1 Forceps

Trauma
1 Izzy Bandage
1 Asherman Chest Seal
3 4.5" x 4 yards kerlix (in vacuum pack)

Bone/Joint
1 Sam Splint
1 Triangular Bandage (Cravat)
1 Ace Wrap (3")
1 Ace Wrap (3") (in vacuum pack)
1 1.5" athletic tape, 5yd

Wound Care
1 Povidone-Iodine, 1oz
1 10ml irrigation syringe
1 ABD Pad 5"x9"
4 ABD Pad 5"x9" (in vacuum pack)
6 Gauze 4x4, 8-ply
8 Gauze 4x4, 8-ply (in vacuum pack)
10 4"x3" Tefla Pad (in vacuum pack)
1 1/4" x 4" Steri-strip (10 pack)
2 Petrolatum Gauze 3"x9"
5 Povidone-Iodine Preps
5 1/32 oz neosporin
20 Bandaids - (5ea Fingertip, Knuckle, X-Large, 2”x3” pad, Large, 3/4”x1” pad)

Foot Care
1 4ml skin lubricant
1 2" x 3" moleskin
4 Blister bandaids
2 Cotton Balls


Medicine
10 Tylenol 500mg
10 Asprin 325mg
16 Ibuprofin 200mg
10 Imodium AD 2mg
10 Benadryl 25mg
10 Pepcid AC 20mg
10 Pseudoephedrine HCl 30mg
10 Phenegran 25mg
4 Electrolyte Tablets
14 Bactrim 800/160 (not shown, recently added)
1 Z-Pak (not shown, recently added)
1 Nurse's drug reference summary for each item

[Kutter_0311]

+1 to the ACS...

But did you pack an occlusive for the exit wound?

[Ovationman]

What about a Tourniquet (can be stored outside the kit) also a hemostatic agent(Celox) would be a good addition.

[GunsUp]

+1 to the ACS...

But did you pack an occlusive for the exit wound?

duct tape =)

Do they make special occlusive dressings or do people just tend to tape a piece of plastic down?

What about a Tourniquet (can be stored outside the kit) also a hemostatic agent(Celox) would be a good addition.

I've been meaning to add a tourniquet but I'm overwhelmed by the options. Any recommendations on a light, relatively cheap (<$25) tourniquet that is still simple and effective?

I also am confused by the hemostatic agent, as I understand the burns are pretty much a thing of the past, but are any safer to leave in for extended periods than others? Is the hemostatic guaze or the granules better?

thanks for the comments.

[Ovationman]

I use the SOFTT, it is highly rated and has been used in combat conditions around the world. (28$)
http://www.rescue-essentials.com/SOF_Ta ... 0001bk.htm

The CAT is standard issue in the US Army along with many other organisations. It is 34$ retail but look around on Ebay and it can be had much cheaper.
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... Categories

There are other options but I don't think they have the track record to back them up.


As for hemostatic agents I use CELOX as it has proved safe and effective.
http://www.celoxmedical.com/
http://www.rescue-essentials.com/Celox_ ... ic_s/8.htm

[phil_in_cs]

I've been meaning to add a tourniquet but I'm overwhelmed by the options. Any recommendations on a light, relatively cheap (<$25) tourniquet that is still simple and effective?

I also am confused by the hemostatic agent, as I understand the burns are pretty much a thing of the past, but are any safer to leave in for extended periods than others? Is the hemostatic guaze or the granules better?

thanks for the comments.

A $7 TK4 is simple and effective too. You'd be better to have 4 of those than a single $25 SOFTT.

The gauzes and sponges are better hemostatic agents than the powder, as the powder will blow around on windy days. It reacts with liquids, so it is absolute hell if it blows into your eyes.

[KMAC179]

+1 to the ACS...

But did you pack an occlusive for the exit wound?

duct tape =)

Do they make special occlusive dressings or do people just tend to tape a piece of plastic down?

What about a Tourniquet (can be stored outside the kit) also a hemostatic agent(Celox) would be a good addition.

I've been meaning to add a tourniquet but I'm overwhelmed by the options. Any recommendations on a light, relatively cheap (<$25) tourniquet that is still simple and effective?

I also am confused by the hemostatic agent, as I understand the burns are pretty much a thing of the past, but are any safer to leave in for extended periods than others? Is the hemostatic guaze or the granules better?

thanks for the comments.

TK4 TQ for the win. Very cheap, very effective, very small. Not the big fancy CAT everyone loves, its simple and works. If you want hemostatic only, I would suggest some Celox. If you want to spend a little money on a good space saving effective product, quick clot combat gauze. Also, kudos on the vacuum packing

[Apache]

I think you have done a damn good job there!

My 1 minor suggestion would be a couple of sterile hypodermic needles. They are the best thing for removing wood splinters from your hands, can also be used for bursting blisters (esp blood blisters).

(does vacuum packing Durapore reduce it's size or just keep it clean and waterproof?)

[GunsUp]

It just keeps it clean and waterproof. The pack it was in lost vacuum (you can already see in the picture its not pulled as tight as the other), and I suspect it may be due to outgassing of the adhesive, so I removed it from the vacuum pack and keep it separately in a small ziplock. I was worried about the vapour pressure of the adhesive when I put it in there and I am guessing I was right. However I might test a roll in its own vacuum bag to double check my theory.

I ended up with a couple of CAT's because I found them new in package for $15 shipped on ebay.

Anybody have a recommendation on an occlusive for exit wounds other than tape and plastic? I saw some but they were like $15 ea, a little steep for what they are IMHO.

[Whiskey]

-1 on the ACS. They are worthless. They just dont stick. Bolyn chest seals are far stickier. Tape and plastic are just fine for exit wounds, or entrance wounds for that matter.