IFAK: Individual First Aid Kits

Jun 10

Posted by Zig Zag

The newest US Army IFAK 2; the folding insert (bottom) containing the items slides into the
pouch (top), which has two flap openings on either side. The pouch is carried on the rear lower
back of the tactical vest.

by Warrior Publications, June 10, 2015

While updating and reorganizing some first aid kits around our house, I did some research on
military-issued individual first aid kits (known as “IFAK” in the US military). These are
specialized types of first aid kits and their primary role is to stop severe bleeding wounds, such as
those inflicted by bullets or explosions. While this may not be of great interest to the average
civilian, any one who uses firearms on a regular basis (such as hunters) should make note of these
kits and their contents, for emergencies such as accidental shootings or discharges of firearms. I
think they should also be of interest to people who live in remote rural or wilderness areas where it
can be difficult for medical services to access. For example, a person could experience a severe
bleeding injury while using axes or chainsaws for gathering firewood, etc. It’s also a good idea to
get as much first aid training as you can, and to have a small first aid kit assembled and ready to
go in your vehicle, pack, etc.
Field Dressings

In this photo from Oka 1990, the Canadian soldier on the left carries a field dressing on his left
shoulder strap, attached with tape.

When I was active in the Canadian Forces reserves many years ago, we weren’t issued first aid
kits. We did receive basic first aid training, but the only piece of medical equipment we were
issued was called a “field dressing”, also known as a pressure bandage. This was a large, thick
gauze pad (a dressing) with two ties that extended from it which were used to wrap around the
affected body part and secure the pad to the wound. Like the modern day IFAKs, the field
dressing was intended for severe bleeding wounds. Canadian soldiers carried the field dressing
taped on the non-shooting shoulder strap of their web gear (so for a right handed person, the
dressing was attached to the left shoulder strap). The US military also issued a field dressing that
was carried in its own small pouch, also on the shoulder strap of their web gear.
A field dressing as used by the US military until the issuing of IFAKs. The white padded section
is applied to the wound, and the wraps on either side (folded like an accordion) are used to tie and
hold the dressing in place.
 Field dressings can still be
purchased today in military surplus stores or through on-line distributors. A civilian version of a
field dressing is the abdominal bandage. There are also modernized field dressings known as
trauma or emergency bandages (see below). Improvised field dressings can be made using a
triangular bandage and gauze dressings, or any clean cloth that is available.

US Army IFAK
The first US Army IFAK, issued in a modified SAW 100 round pouch.

With the invasion and occupation of Iraq, beginning in 2003, the US military quickly fielded the
first Individual First Aid Kit, which was comprised of the following pieces:

 1 Tourniquet
 1 Elastic bandage kit (this is similar to a field dressing)
 1 Bandage GA4-1/2” 100’s
 1 Surgical adhesive tape
 1 Nasopharyngeal airway kit
 4 Surgical gloves
 1 Combat gauze dressing

An important feature of this kit is the tourniquet, which has been used for hundreds of years to
stop severe bleeding on limbs, but became a questionable technique after World War 2. Today,
tourniquets are credited with saving the lives and limbs of US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan (I
plan on posting another article on tourniquets soon). Many military forces now issue tourniquets.

The contents of this IFAK were all stuffed inside a modified squad automatic weapon (SAW) 100
round magazine pouch. Over 900,000 of these kits were eventually issued. This first version of
the IFAK was later replaced by the Improved First Aid Kit (also referred to as an IFAK).

US Marine Corps IFAK

USMC IFAK.

At around the same time as the US Army was issuing its IFAK, the US Marine Corps and US
Navy developed and began issuing its own version of an IFAK, and by 2004 it was standard issue
to every Marine as part of their basic equipment. This IFAK was comprised of two modules, a
trauma kit and a minor first aid kit, which were carried in a pouch.

The Trauma Kit, issued in a vacuum sealed bag, includes these components:

 Bandage, Elastic, (2 EA) (field dressings)

 Bandage, Gauze, (2 Rolls)
 Tourni-Kwik Tourniquet, One Handed, (1 EA)
 Wound Pack (QuikClot), Hemostatic Treatment, (1 EA)
 Another view, and a revised version, of the USMC IFAK.

The Minor First Aid Kit includes these components:

 Bandage, Adhesive ¾” x 3″, (10 EA)

 Dressing, Burn 4″ x 16″, (1 EA)
 Povidone-Iodine Topical Solution. USP. 10% 1/2 Fl. Oz. Bt, (1 Bottle)
 Water Purification Tablet, Iodine 8 mg., (1 Bottle)
 Triangular Bandages 40″ x 40″ x 56″, (1 EA)
 Bandage, Adhesive 2″ X 4.5″, (5 EA)

US Army IFAK (Improved First Aid Kit)

The US Army’s Improved First Aid Kit (IFAK), showing the pouch and folding insert that
contains the items.

This kit replaced the first US Army IFAK. It came in a pouch with a folding insert that must be
pulled out and is attached to the pouch with a lanyard. The insert holds the following items:

 Tourniquet, Combat Application (CAT, Combat Application Tourniquet)

 Bandage Kit, Elastic
 Bandage Gauze 4-1/2″ 100/Pkg
 Adhesive Tape Surg 2″ 6’s Roll
 Airway, Nasopharyngeal, 28fr, 12s
 Glove, Patient Exam 100/Pkg (4ea)
 Pouch, IFAK

Here is an excerpt from a 2006 article promoting the Improved FAK and giving details on some of
the components:

The Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT):

“The Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) is one of the most valuable life-saving tools in the
pouch, said Hayes, who also trains instructors at semi-annual Medical Skills Validation Trainer
Training. Hayes advises Soldiers to remove the plastic wrapping from the tourniquet. Removing
the plastic allows for quicker access and gives Soldiers the chance to practice slipping on the
tourniquet.

“The CAT tourniquet, because it’s so important, should remain outside of the packet so that it’s
ready to go,” Hayes said.
“After removing the plastic, make sure to keep the tourniquet inside the pouch because dirt can
wear down the Velcro and make it ineffective, said Sgt. Scott Stewart, a CLS instructor at the
Jameson Combat Medical Training Center.

“The Nasal Pharyngeal Airway (NPA):

“The NPA replaces the oral pharyngeal, or J-tube. Like the J-tube, the NPA is inserted to keep the
airway open. Unlike the J-tube, it is inserted through the nose to avoid triggering the troublesome
gag reflex.

“Before inserting the tube, Soldiers must make sure the length of the NPA matches the length
from the corner of the casualty’s nose to the bottom tip of the casualty’s ear and that the diameter
of the tube is no larger than the casualty’s pinky finger. If surgical lubrication is available, it helps
for inserting the tube. The tube should be inserted with the angled hole pointed towards the
septum of the nose. The person giving aid should stop inserting the tube if there is resistance.

“Trauma bandage or “Israeli dressing”:

 “The trauma
bandage replaces the field dressing found in old first aid pouches. The main purpose of the trauma
bandage is to serve as a pressure dressing. It can also be used for a “tourniquet-like effect” to slow
blood circulation, though Hayes emphasizes that Soldiers should use a CAT as a first choice if a
tourniquet is needed. Unlike the CAT, it must be kept inside the package to keep it clean.
Directions on how to use the bandage can be found on the back of the package.

“I think it’s a big improvement from the field dressing,” Stewart said about the trauma bandage.

“The kit also contains a bag of compressed gauze, a role of surgical tape and a standard pair of
sanitary gloves.
“Each kit is designed to treat only one Soldier, so it is recommended that Soldiers keep it
accessible, especially when going off post, said Spc. Alfrado Varela, a CLS instructor at the
Jameson CMTC. Varela recommends that Soldiers keep it attached to their Interceptor Body
Armor (IBA) at all times.”

(From “The Improved First Aid Kit — more than a field dressing,” by Spc. Spencer Case, 207th
MPAD, Anaconda Times, March 2006)

The Improved IFAK was later replaced by the newer IFAK 2.

US Army IFAK 2

US Army IFAK II.

The US Army began issuing the Improved First Aid Kit 2 (or II) in early 2014. It consists of a
pouch with two openings on either side, into which an insert is placed. Like the previous IFAK,
the insert is connected to the carry pouch by a lanyard. The IFAK II is to be worn on the lower
back, where US soldiers typically carry less gear, and can be opened with either hand.
IFAK 2 with two tourniquet pouches.
A closer shot of the IFAK 2 contents.

The IFAK II contains the same contents as the Improved FAK, with the addition of a second
tourniquet, a tactical combat casualty card (to note what kind of first aid was applied to a wounded
soldier), a mini-Sharpie marker, an eye shield, a rubber seal with a valve for sucking chest
wounds, and a strap cutter.

Other Military First Aid Kits

British military first aid kit.

The British military issue a similar medical pouch as the IFAK, with a folding insert carried inside
a zippered pouch. The Canadian military has also begun issuing first aid kits, at this time
apparently contained in a medical pouch produced by Tactical Tailor.
British soldier in Afghanistan with a medical pouch located on his lower right side.
The Tactical Tailor medic pouch issued to Canadian soldiers. It measures 9″ X 6″ X 3″.
Tactical Tailor medic pouch, opened. The contents are placed inside the mesh pockets.
Canadian soldier in Afghanistan with a medical pouch located on his lower right side. In this
picture, and of the British soldier above, you can see how large these pouches are.

The Armies Improved First Aid Kit

This is a contest entry from a Veteran Who Is Preparing.

Howard

Improved First Aid Kit or IFAK

Pretty much everyone has a First Aid Kit, but what is all in it or how severe of an injury can it
handle? Most are only good for your basic injuries such as cuts, scrapes, minor burns, etc… But
in a WROL or Homesteading situation that won’t be enough. Will a couple band-aids be enough
if you slip with the axe whiling chopping wood and plant it in your leg? Will that 2″ x 2″ piece of
gauze cover a severe burn to your arm from the grease you spilled from a hot cast iron pan you
aren’t used to using yet? Will the cotton balls and 2 feet of medical ape be enough if you are shot
accidentally during hunting? You need to be prepared and have the stuff with you and not in a
box at home.

Around 2005-2007 the US military started issuing the IFAK (improved First Aid Kit). This is
vastly superior to anything we had previously for the individual. Basically it is a pouch with a
roll-up insert on a dummy cord. The insert contains the following (for US Army, the other
services carry different items):
1x Combat Application Tourniquet or CAT- For use in the case of an amputation and can be used
with 1 hand
1x Compression Dressing- For use over major injuries such as gunshot wounds etc..
1x Roll of Curlex Gauze- Multiple purpose usage in First Aid
1x Nasopharyngeal Airway or NPA- For use when someone’s jaw has been seriously injured to
keep the airway open through the nostril
1x Roll 2″ wide Medical Tape- Multiple purpose usage in First Aid
2pr Rubber Exam Gloves
1x Quick Clot Dressing- This is a hemostatic dressing that causes rapid clotting, for use in serious
wounds that usually involve arterial spray

This kit can cover some pretty bad injuries. The type that can kill you very quickly if you don’t
get immediate First Aid. Such as amputations, gunshot wounds, major lacerations, etc.. You
don’t have to be on the battlefield to be wounded this severely. I’ve already given some examples
that could happen during normal tasks. There are videos online that show how to use all these
items. Along with manuals and books such as FM 21-11 First Aid and STP 21-1 SMCT Soldiers
Manual of Common Tasks (the newer editions since 2005). Other items I have seen included:
1x Medical/EMT Shears- To be used to cut the medical tape, Roll Gauze, or clothing. This is not
the same as a normal pair of scissors or the type used by surgeons. This is the most common
addition to the IFAK.
Packets of Lubricant- For use with the NPA. This is not the same as what you use in the
bedroom. This is medical grade, preferably in single dose packets not tubes.
Combat Pill Pack- This contains antibiotics and painkillers. As soon as you are wounded and
done First-Aid, you pop the pills. If you have seen the movie “Soldier” with Kurt Russell, it is
like the scene where Kane is injured, does First-Aid, and pops all the pills to keep him going.
Tampon- Yes, the same thing a woman uses during her period. Story is a convoy got hit in Iraq.
One of the soldiers was hit in the artery. A female soldier in the vehicle saw the spurting blood,
pulled out a tampon from her pocket, and shoved it in the hole. Then applied a Compression
Dressing over the top. It stopped the bleeding and saved the soldier’s life. The lieutenant in
charge of the convoy was so impressed he made it mandatory for all his troops to carry one in
their IFAKs. If you don’t know how to use one, ask a woman.
4″x4″ (or similar) Gauze Pad in sterile package- For applying over a burn and then wrapping roll
gauze over the top.

IFAKs are worn on a belt (or Load Carrying Equipment) at all times. Every man, woman, and
child should have one with them at all times. The one you carry with you is for you not for use on
someone else. You should wear them at all times during a WROL situation. They are not cheap,
cost is usually between $40 to over $100 each with supplies. The benefits in saving your life out
weigh the costs in dollars. If you have bulk supplies of the contents already you could buy an
empty pouch and insert for $10-$15 and fill it yourself. The empty pouches can be bought in a
variety of colors and not just camo patterns. If you buy a brand new one, still check the contents.
I have seen scam artists try to pass off pouches with band-aids and other cheap items as USGI
IFAKs. Do not fall for this. Do some internet searches and figure out which type suits you best
(as I said each service used different items in theirs). And remember to learn how to use all the
items inside the IFAK correctly. Do not use the items in the IFAK for practice/training with, it
only destroys them and wears them out before you need them. Buy additional items and training
with them, these can not be used for real emergency supplies after they are used.

I know someone will mention this in a comment so I will answer it now. NO the IFAK does not
contain sutures, bulk Antibiotics, or splinting material. These are in other bags and kits such as
medics bags, CLS bags, or your bulk emergency kits back at the house/shelter.