IFAK Essentials Series: Kerlix
Kerlix is a medic’s nectar and ambrosia. Without a decent supply of kerlix in your IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit), your IFAK simply isn’t worth a damn. Fancy dressings and bandages will only carry you so far.
I’ve said the above above before, but now it’s high time I told you why you need Kerlix in your First Aid Kits.
What is Kerlix?
It’s very simple, it’s mainly washed, fluffed and dried cotton gauze that’s strong as hell. Here’s a few specs:
Six-ply construction with finished edges reduces loose ends and lint.
As secondary dressing, it provides bulk cushioning and ultimate conformability.
Sterile in soft pouch 6 ply, 1 roll per package
2.25″ x 3 yards
^^Antimicrobal surgical kerlix.
Kerlix can be applied damn near anywhere you can bleed on your body. What makes it superior to normal gauze is it’s strength, absorbancy, sterlility but best yet, they give you enough per roll to do the damn job. Read above, a normal roll has three yards of gauze that’s as wide as a deck of cards. That’s more than enough for any normal wound and if it’s not, grab another roll :)
How do I use Kerlix?
You use Kerlix like any normal roll of gauze. For those who havn’t had to use it, here are a few pictures of Kerlix in use.
Kerlix can be used to pack wounds:
Wrap Wounds:
You can use kerlix as wound padding even. Simply fold it into a square, trim the edges and use it just like you would any other gauze bandage. Kerlix can also be used as absorbant topper dressings or simply to cover wounds you’d rather the patient not see:
Q: Okay Gunny, kerlix looks big, how the hell am I supposed to carry it in my IFAK?
A: Simple mate, build your bag around your necessities, not your necessities around your bag.
Here’s how Doc Simon carries his in his medic bag:
TacMedic22 carries a bit more Kerlix than Doc Simon:
I carry a bit in my car’s trauma kit (as you can see, it’s a much smaller bag)
Q:Okay Gunny, you’ve convinced me. Where can I buy Kerlix?
A: Damn near everywhere.
http://www.qualitymedicalsupplies.com/page/QMS/CTGY/WC-KRX
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=kerlix&category0=
So now that you know the what, why, how and where to buy, go out and get yourself a few rolls.
Questions and Comments are always welcome.