"IFAKs are trauma kits containing essential life-saving materials, bleeding control and major wound treatments. Tactical IFAK components include tourniquets, chest seals, combat gauze and other hemostatic agents."
'First Aid' kits have always been present on the battlefield in various forms.
IFAKs have greatly improved overtime.
Less emphasis is being placed on combat life savers (medics) and more on individual self/buddy aid.
IFAKs are made for non-medical personnel use while in the field.
This guide will cover the tactical battlefield application & production of IFAKs.
IFAK Purpose
IFAKs address the two most common causes of battlefield deaths:
Uncontrolled bleeding
• Tourniquet use
• 'Wound packing' gauze
• Pressure dressing
Obstructed/compromised airway
• Nasopharyngeal use
• 'Chest seal' for open/sucking chest cavity wound
Older Versions
WWII - bottom left pouch
Vietnam
Different IFAK Versions
USMC
Air Force
Aircraft use
IFAK Specs
Weight: approximately 1 pound (1 lbs)
Typical items included:
• Pouch
• Tourniquet
• Hemostatic gauze ('combat gauze')
• Pressure dressing
• Nasopharyngeal airway
• 'Combat pill' pack
• Surgical tape
• Eye cup
• TC3 card
• Sharpie marker
Pouch (modified SAW pouch with internal organizer and attached lanyard)
• "H" handle creates strong downward pressure onto injury site
Hemostatic Applications
There are 2 main types of hemostatic delivery methods:
• gauze impregnated with chitosan or other agent
• a granular powder that is poured/placed into the wound cavity
Some variants include a special granular gun shot wounds (GSWs) applicator.
Additional Items
Needle decompression
Occlusive dressings ('chest' seals)
Olaes pressure dressing
9-Line MEDEVAC card
Wax pencil
Field Expedient Tourniquets
Cravat-and-stick method
Illustration showing the brachial artery
Perhaps the best and most available expedient tourniquet
IFAKs Over Time
IFAKs were first introduced around the mid 2000s. Before that they were simply known as FAKs (First Aid Kits)
Then around the mid 2010s, the IFAK was upgraded once again
IFAK 2 contents (circa 2014) that were added:
• Additional TQ
• TCCC card w/th Sharpie
• Eye shield
• Chest seal for 'sucking chest wounds'
• Strap cutter
Videos
Conclusion
IFAKs have changed over time but their value remains tried and true to this day.
They are always a part of an individual service member's combat load and are designed to be lightweight, efficient and provide the necessary tools to treat common battlefield wounds.
In the civilian world, many agencies within the justice, intelligence and lifesaving communities (i.e. law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, special agents, etc) utilize and adapt custom made IFAKs designed for different situations.
IFAKs continue to be gradually upgraded to provide the first responder with better equipment and easier access, thus saving lives.