6 Essential Components for an IFAK in Canada
As the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This is especially true when it comes to injuries and medical emergencies. That's why it's crucial to have a well-stocked individual first aid kit (IFAK) at the ready, whether you're out hiking, camping, or just going about your daily routine. In this article, we'll discuss the six essential components of an IFAK in Canada.
1) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The first item you should have in your IFAK is a pair of nitrile gloves. These gloves protect you from coming into contact with bodily fluids or other hazardous materials while administering first aid. Always wear gloves when treating injuries, especially when dealing with someone else's blood or bodily fluids.
All of our individual first aid kits, including the basic Bleeding Control Kit, contain a pair of nitrile gloves.
2) A CoTCCC Approved Tourniquet
A tourniquet is a device used to stop the flow of blood from a wound. A CoTCCC (Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care) approved tourniquet like the SAM XT Tourniquet or the North American Rescue CAT Tourniquet is an essential component of any IFAK. It can be used to control severe bleeding in limbs and can be quickly applied with one hand.
There are a wide variety of cheap, unapproved, and counterfeit tourniquets on the market. Some big "my medkit" companies like to MyMarket these as being "perfectly good for civilian use", because one single study said so. Don't risk your life on the marketing tropes of a greedy company, gunshot wounds don't differentiate between civilians and the warzone. Trust the professionals behind the CoTCCC.
3) Wound Packing Gauze
Compressed responder gauze is an important tool for treating deep and severe wounds, including places where tourniquets cannot be used like junctions. When inserted into a wound directly onto the source of bleeding, the gauze applies pressure onto to the artery or vein, helping to stop the bleeding.
Hemostatic Gauze, such as ChitoSAM Z-Fold gauze, can also be used to promote clotting and help control bleeding. By leveraging the natural chemical reaction between blood and Chitosan, the ChitoSAM gauze (woven directly WITH Chitosan fibres) can significantly increase the efficacy of wound packing.
4) A Pressure Bandage
In addition to wound packing gauze, you should also include a pressure bandage in your IFAK. An Emergency Pressure Bandage, for example, can be used to apply pressure to a wound, and hold packing gauze in pla. The Olaes Elastic Bandage is another great option that combines wound packing gauze, pressure dressing, and a closure bar into one convenient package.
5) An Indelible Marker
An indelible marker, such as a Sharpie, is an essential tool for an IFAK. It can be used to label tourniquets, note the time a tourniquet was applied, or to mark where a wound was located. This information is critical for emergency responders and can help ensure proper treatment.
6) Training
Finally, no IFAK is complete without proper training. Even the best first aid kit won't be helpful if you don't know how to use it. Take a course like Stop The Bleed training, which can teach you how to recognize and treat life-threatening bleeding injuries. With the right training and a well-stocked IFAK, you'll be prepared to help in the event of an emergency. We offer several Stop The Bleed classes in BC throughout the year, including with every single shooting course that we run.
An individual first aid kit is an essential tool for anyone who spends time outdoors, hunting, shooting, boating or wants to be prepared for emergencies at home or in the car. By including these six essential components you'll be ready to handle a wide range of life threatening injuries that can potentially happen anywhere in your daily lives.
Remember to regularly check and replace expired items in your IFAK to ensure it's always ready for use. Keeping all of these components safe inside an easily accessible pouch, including a dedicated Tourniquet Pouch will protect them in all conditions.
It's also important to familiarize yourself with each component and how it's used, so you can act quickly and confidently in an emergency situation.
Of course, the six essential components discussed in this article are just a starting point. Depending on your needs and circumstances, you may want to consider adding additional items to your IFAK, such as chest seals, hemostatic gauze, and airway adjuncts.
For any armed professionals such as Military or Law Enforcement, our minimum recommend contents are included with our Intermediate IFAK, and we highly suggest the Pro IFAK with the added components for those at higher risk in the line of duty.
Having an individual first aid kit isn't just about being prepared for emergencies - it's also about taking responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those around you. By having the right tools and knowledge at your disposal, you can make a difference in a life-threatening situation.
Take the time to build your own IFAK and get the training you need to use it effectively. It's an investment in your own safety and well-being, and it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for the unexpected.
