How to build an IFAK and save money!

[@DarrylMiglio]

'...your body starts to lose the ability to clot @ 95 degrees...' Thanks for sharing, that will get a space blanket added to my kit today

[@JMU365]

Right. As soon as he said that, I was like oh shit definitely getting one of those.

[@theruralrenegade8911]

I would also add a stick on body heater, they work the same as hand warmer. If you are in sub optimal conditions a heater or two can make all the difference, the blanket is just reflecting heat not making it. If the body stops making heat or slows too much just a blanket will ne insufficient in many circumstances

[@brianrodman1033]

@@theruralrenegade8911 This seems like solid advice to utilize a body warmer and professional hypothermia treatment kits include some form of chemical heat pack(s).. Space blankets aren’t miracle workers the way they can be claimed to be. They do help by blocking wind and reflecting body heat however it does not have a significant insulation value. The bivy sack style alternatives can be more effective but may also be problematic to get an injured person inside of one. Care must also be taken as any moisture will be trapped by the material and accumulate thus putting the user at increased risk for being cold. Any size foam pad, from a tiny sit pad to a full sleeping pad will go a long ways towards preventing heat loss from the ground (blanking on the name of the type of heat loss).

[@ExcitedSolarSystem-jr2rn]

Ur dead at 96 bud

[@The1stGurehaundo]

Remember the TRIAD of DEATH. Keep the Px warm. Look up the diagram.

[@johnhubbard6262]

30 plus years of construction taught me if you need gloves you need at least three as one will always tear when you need it, you will always need to change gloves at least once. So if I need a set of gloves in my PPE 1 set equals 3 pair. Your videos have no wasted information, are clear precise and easy to understand, hell of a teacher thank you.

[@brianrodman1033]

thank you, kits including a single set always strikes me as too few especially for something so inexpensive and compact.

[@CragDawgs]

1 is none 2 is one 3 is two

[@rassawyer]

There is a massive variation in the quality/durability of gloves that are available. Medical grade gloves hold up much better for me than hardware store or first aid kit gloves. Also, mechanics gloves do pretty well. (Not the work gloves, the mechanics nitrile gloves)

[@johnhubbard6262]

@ agree 100% I prefer Black Lightning

[@TheDogsFather]

I always have a pack of at least 6 pairs of gloves for this reason. I keep 4 large because I wear large and 2 medium because most people I spend time with wear medium and I can make medium work if I need to and I’ve never had a situation that required gloves where I was the only one offering aid. My main kit has a whole box of large gloves though

[@brushemteeth9159]

Don't forget to write down the expiry dates of the items on a note that you leave visibly inside the plastic bag, so you don't have to take the items out to check their expiry dates one by one.

[@maxsherro8729]

Kaolin doesn’t expire

[@Qui-Dad-Jinn]

If your gauze or anything else expired, let the hospital worry about it. Stabilize and turf. Let the docs worry about infections. Just worry about life threatening injuries.

[@PeterNichtlustig0815]

@@Qui-Dad-Jinn It´s not about infections but it might affect the effectivness of the medication (i.e. chito-san). And the comment itself is utterly stupid.

[@solidus1995]

Good idea but not really necessary either. Nothing should go into your kit if it's about to expire. All kit should have a few years on it and you should check all your kits annually and update them by principle.

[@brushemteeth9159]

@@solidus1995 I think you missed my point. Why go through the hassle of checking every item in your kit annually if you can just draft a list of expiry and so significantly reduce administrative effort?

[@joecamel328]

One thing you might add to this is a light source. I pack a chem light/ Glow stick in my first aid kits. Bad things are more likely to happen at night and you need to be able to see what you are doing. Also being more visible for people who are coming to help.

[@oceanbytez847]

I overlooked this in my first DIY first aid kit. thanks for your useful insight!

[@MR.GRIMM760]

Also can be used to help distract kids and get their attention off what's going on around them during emergencies

[@marybelling2950]

Head lamp 👍

[@Bone_Chips]

This is an under rated recommendation. I keep a white glow stick in all my first aid kits. It can be used to help you treat patients and help responders pin point your location.

[@foley4157]

Would you pack that in the kit, or just carry it on a belt carrier or pockets?

[@ajkurp5919]

Damn good advice. On shears- Even on the ambulance and in the ER I use the cheap shears. In a ditch along side the road, somebody behind you says, "Gimme your shears", most of the time you'll never see them again. Replacement is 5 bucks instead of 50. And the cheap ones are amazingly good. You rock.

[@geodkyt]

Especially for an IFAK type kit - if you're not a working medic, chances are the shears only have to work *once* . If they fall apart and spontaneously burst into flames 30 seconds after the EMTs load the casualty into the Woo-Woo Box and speed off towards the hospital, the shears already paid for themselves.

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

As an RN- the most crucial piece of gear is training, training, training. Learn how to pack a wound Learn how to correctly apply a tourniquet (compartment syndrome) Learn simple basic CPR Learn about basic first aid cardiac treatment Learn how to apply a chest seal (this is sometimes better to let someone with more experience, let treat) Practice an NPA (uncomfortable, but needed, keep a tube or 2 of lube too) All these Tacticool people with all the gear & no idea= a really fucking bad idea. I keep a Tourniquet, an Israeli Bandage, a Quikclot & roll of Cohesive bandage (sticks to itself, can be done with 1 hand- even 2 fingers) in my EDC & farm carry ammo can (throw on tractor or ride on mower). Dont worry about medication- often it can fuck up us in Resus in ED; stopping a bleed is most important from your end. Aussie RN checkin' in🤙

[@FirstnameLastname-vy2dg]

Alot of RN’s (women) are terrible at cpr the (compression) portion

[@NotSoSophos]

@@FirstnameLastname-vy2dg Where in your mind did you find this relevant to what was being said here?

[@kris9074]

@@NotSoSophosbecause the edc community is replete with red pilled MRAs that have a weird obsession with talking down to women completely unprompted.

[@bonitagirlyy]

how do you avoid compartment syndrome with a TQ?

[@tampa_sal]

@@FirstnameLastname-vy2dg Terrible at keeping their unwanted opinions to themselves too.

[@surratt95]

I have built several of these kits for our cars over the past 18 months. Just like this. The only thing I add is a sheet of paper behind the chest seal with a list of contents written in sharpie so it can be read through the plastic bag. Oh I do through in a sharpie too. Great video.

[@MikeWood]

That's a good idea. And the date the contents were vacuum sealed could be noted on the paper.

[@llano19fly]

Where can a civilian learn & practice this preventive life saving skills? Do I need to sign up at local junior college for emt or firemen classes?

[@surratt95]

@@llano19fly your local EMS or hospitals should have stop the bleed courses. Google stop the bleed with your location and you should get some information

[@llano19fly]

@@surratt95 thanks will check today.

[@everready19373]

Throw, not through.

[@dianebeth7831]

Humble hint: if you have a vacuum packer, a 12"x12" (or so) microfiber cloth can be sucked down to nothing and can be used for mop-up, extra dressing, etc., etc.

[@omicrondec]

Interesting.

[@puppiesarepower3682]

I once saw a Rescue 9-1-1 episode where the EMTs ran out of gauze/cloth/bandages. I can't remember what the wound was (possibly a chest wound), just the fact that he was bleeding profusely. Everytime I get a first aid kit I take out the small bandages and replace them with the largest ones that'll fit in the container.

[@MrSkinnyn71]

That’s actually a great idea Diannebeth. And considering cost wise you can get microfiber or even 100 percent cotton supper cheap for that purpose.

[@justinguarino201]

@@puppiesarepower3682That’s a show. It’s all fake. Some shows might have some real call recordings, or take portions of what had happened, but most are over dramatized to make it more entertaining for its viewers. Don’t believe everything you see on tv to be realistic in a real world situations.

[@martinausterfield8597]

Alongside the notch cut, 2 wraps of strong 1” tape either side of the point you will tear with 1” overhang makes for good tear tabs, as well as making for a more consistent tear. Also worth doing on items inside the kit, if your dexterity goes or your hands are slippy, it’s an absolute godsend.

[@grogdizzy5814]

If you live near a military base, local army surplus stores are a great place to get top-of-the-line medical gear for a low cost. I got a CAT tq still in the package for $8 the other day.

[@CIA_Alien]

So is EBAY. I scored a dozen of mil surplus tourniquets for $32 about a year ago.

[@QEsposito510]

Military and top-of-the-line in the same sentence?

[@Hawkdriver-75]

Great piece of kit and explained very well. One trick I used on packing vacuum-sealed kits for our helicopters was to use pinking shears when cutting off the excess tube on each end. Leaves a beautiful series of notches all the way across each end that are more visible than the simple slits you cut and provide a tactile sense even with aircrew gloves on for limited visibility conditions. Tested on over hundreds of aircrew during training and real-world events with zero failure for both two-handed opening and one-hand with teeth.

[@gregsanderson2470]

Med tape ' ears ' grab n pull.

[@cliffmathew]

3 ideas on this topic from comments: Zig-Zag cut, Sharpie Marking to highlight, Med tape ears.

[@kennethjmurphy3364]

I like when a creator gives the information, not all the reasons and excuses and personal information that we don't need . This is the difference between men who have lived real experience and boys straight out of high school trying to make money by having a youtube channel running their mouth to hear themselves talk.

[@user-gn5uy6lx7z]

I just added two Trama Kits to the medical arsenal, and it's a very comprehensive kit. I just thought if I ever came across an accident and there was significant blood flow, I would be able to help. In this kit: X2 Isreal Bandages X2 Tourniquets X2 Chest Seal X2 Venelated Chest Seal X2 Bleedstop X1roll of ( packing gauze) X2 Mylar Blankets X1 pair of Tweezers X1 Headlamp X1 Penlight X2 rolls of tape X2 Super Glue ( for medical purposes) X4 Tylenol X4 Asprin X4 Ibuprofen X1 Lighter X1 Knife X1 Medical Sizzers X2 medical gloves X2 sterile surgical Suiture packs X1 Permanente Marker X1 pad of waterproof paper Allow the above fits in a mollie pack

[@KrisSays]

Great list!

[@tiggalong227]

A good video as always. I always carry a large ziplock bag in my first aid kit to clean up after or place personal items in so that the patient arrives at A&E with them. Phones, wallets so on can be invaluable to medical staff. I might put your vacuum kit in one so that when you rip it open you don’t lose something or get it wet.

[@papaya4432]

That’s a good tip. Throwing a gallon zip in my bag now.

[@slappy8941]

Loose and lose are different words with different meanings.

[@joshw6212]

@@slappy8941 thank you grammer police ......we would be lost without you

[@dmntjwrs]

@@joshw6212^ loost

[@othername1000]

@@dmntjwrs loosded

[@stevesmith7530]

I am a huge fan of the triangular bandage, there is nothing really cannot be done with one, and they are compact. Simple pad over a wound, something to hold a pad over a wound, a sling, a donut for wounds that still have something in them, even a tourniquet. when 3 or 4 of you each carry one, they can even be used to splint legs together.

[@jplacido9999]

In portuguese Red Cross that is allways present....

[@haley746]

Even the cheapest FAKs in Australia has them... Strange to see that they aren't as common in the US

[@JR-bx6kw]

The only thing I would add is to add a sharpie to mark the tourniquet. Also I would use a sharpie to mark where you slightly made the nicks to easy open. Easier to find when needed.

[@thomast8539]

In emergencies, fine motor skills diminish due to adrenaline and stress. So, you may be better off wiping the victim's forehead, and writing the time on there instead, (with the Sharpie) rather than trying to scribble on that small fabric attached to a TQ. No, I am not kidding. Just saying, but you do you.

[@JBVrazel]

We always wrote a T and time in the patient's blood on the forehead or clothing

[@ExecutionerDan]

Was trained in san diego bootcamp to write the T-time of day on the forehead. Maybe doesnt work for the dark green marines sadly.

[@geodkyt]

​@@JBVrazelthe blood thing doesn't work as well as most people think - too easy for it to get wiped off or mistaken for normal transfer, and how fat your fingerprinting is under stress versus available forehead also applies. Write it with a Sharpie, and it's unmistakable, not likely to come off, and definately more legible. Also, seal the Sharpie, to avoid it drying out in heat (especially for a kit you don't carry on body). I use a ziplock sandwich bag (the vacuum seal of the kit overall will work, if that's how you roll).

[@robertwhite1181]

​@@ExecutionerDanI was just about to say a very similar thing. Exchange RTC San Diego with Great Lakes NTC. Usually things taught to Marines and/ or Corpsman have been tried on the field of battle. Thank you for your service, bro.

[@castlecarry]

This is one of the best IFAK walk-throughs I've seen. Thank you, sir. Very plain and simple to understand.

[@geodkyt]

Two additional items I was advised to stick in there by a retired 18D were a Sharpie medium point marker (in a ziplock bag to avoid drying out in heat) and a cheap keyfob type disposable white light - the kind you can hold in your mouth while working.

[@orilion1820]

A small cheap headlamp is a better option if you have the room.

[@JustinW-p3i]

good idea thank u!!

[@shawnr771]

​@@orilion1820I use small Coast brand 3 AAA batterys as backups. On and Off. No strobes, no red lens.

[@daveacker7427]

I have a similar kit as yours, but I included an Israeli bandage, chem light, and a couple of small clip-on flashlights. To keep my sealed IFAK safe during transport, I use an old ALICE medkit bag. I also keep a small kit with Band-Aids, gauze, aspirin, calamine lotion, etc. for minor injuries in a zip-lock bag inside the medkit bag. Your video was fantastic and offered great alternative ideas. Thank you for sharing!

[@skeetersaurus6249]

One of the GREATEST 'bloopers' overlooked by 99.99% of all 'bug out/IFAK kit makers' (even by paramedics), is the FIRST question: 'What conditions and span of time am I looking at, that I need coverage for?' Is this going in your car, in case of car wreck (where dozens, maybe hundreds will also be driving by your wreck?)...then you need 1-qty Israeli first aid bandage, a couple of 'dry' power bars, couple of alcohol prep pads, couple of 3-inch band-aids, a small flashlight...and that's about it. Bad winters where you live? Make a 'winter add-on' that has survival blankets, EPIRB (if you can spare the cash), maybe a sleeping bag, hand warmer (Zippo-type) and some spare fluid in a bottle...always remember the BIC lighter (forget the fancy fire-starters...BIC lighters will survive ANYTHING!) Now, if you are going on a 2-day hunting/fishing trip...the kit changes to add antibiotic ointment, more alcohol prep pads, extra candle, hexamine fire-starter tablets (ESBIT), a compass, map of area, transistor radio with weather, mylar sheet, tarp, cord, cutting tool, emergency candle, BIC lighter, maybe even sleeping bag or shelter tarp (5x8 feet works well). This is also where you start adding 'life straws' and water canteen capability. Few are out longer than this, that don't already know how to pack, and how to survive 'long-term'...and they probably aren't reading this... FEW think through 'worst possible scenario' for the 'intended purpose' of an IFAK...nor fit it to their scenario. Why would you need a whistle in a car wreck? Wouldn't that space be better taken up by a chem-glow light or a small flashlight? In the military, for years, we had something called a '3-day pack'...somewhat like a large fanny pack...and with it, we could store everything we needed, plus a couple of days of MRE's (broken down to core items) in it...where ANY SITUATION over 3-days was going to be a lot more 'live off the land' than just 'bug out' or 'IFAK'...and real training and knowledge was also required (snares, trapping, shelter building, water collection, orienteering, etc.). THAT is why commercial packs are so HORRENDOUSLY overpriced...if I can't build a 1-day kit for $10 or less, then I'm OVER-PACKING (assuming I already have the flashlight...and a ziplock bag.

[@roamready9732]

If you're willing to buy multiples of any given item and just plan on building several kits you can get an IFAK down to half the price of some store bought models. I just built an IFAK for my truck and used the leftovers for the wife's car. Great video, I wish I had found it sooner!

[@matthewbrown6163]

I have always added a pen & paper inside my IFAK for getting information. I also added a fishing lure chem light to the IFAK as these can be used for marking yourself or for alerting others of dangers.

[@thomast8539]

Maybe have both a Sharpie and a space pen, or a pen that can write in wet/rainy situations.

[@Mike70005]

Nice video. You can get some of the benefits of both vacuum sealing and resealable bags. Use a ziploc bag and place a straw in the end. Close it to the straw. Then suck out as much air as possible, withdraw the straw and quickly finish closing the ziploc. Not as compact as a vacuum sealer, but has the benefit of being able to open it easily without spilling the contents everywhere and you can reseal and reuse it. Freezer ziplocks are very sturdy.

[@daphneraven6745]

I did the experimentation with Ziploc bags. They are nice, but they don’t actually maintain the vacuum for so long. That might matter if there’s a lot of tiny, dust or mould in a damp environment. It might matter if there’s just dampness around. They’re better than nothing at all, but nowhere as good as A decent quality vacuum sealed bag. If all you’ve got to begin with, is a Ziploc bag, and maybe it’s worth while to throw in a little packet of silica gel out of medicine bottle, or a new pair of shoes. That should at least deal with any moisture issues.

[@knewsome69]

I've been using freezer grade Zip-Lock brand bags with some manual pressure "pushing" the air out for years. I found some kits that I made for a shooting flat range fundraiser in a tackle box about 14 years earlier. I opened it to see the condition of material - everything was in pristine condition. Thick "airtight" bags" out of sunlight and a dry environment seems to have been the key.

[@omicrondec]

Nice anecdote. Thanks for sharing.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

That's what I used for all my medical stuff and my fire starting kit that I bring with me I'm backpacking trips. I've seen people have some pretty good accidents on backpacking trips from falls cuts all kinds of stuff.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

Yeah things like gauze I mean it would be like 20 plus years before that would really start to degrade where you have to worry about anything medications creams so on so forth like that would be stuff that I'd be more worried about especially if it was exposed to the Sun.

[@puppiesarepower3682]

Water and humidity ruin everything. Heat will cause issues with perishables; but most items hold up really well.

[@douglasjones8309]

You can use a straw to get it virtually vac sealed. Insert on one side and get the seal locked as tight to straw as possible. Push out excess, suck out the rest and seal as you pull out the straw while continuing to keep the vacuuming until the straw comes out. Used to do this for vacpaking foods for the freezer.

[@FastEddy396]

Two most looked over skillsets: medical and comms. Very professional and Thank You.

[@lordfairfaxpreparedness]

You can get a single use faceshield from the American Red Cross that will attach to your key chain. In this video he vacuum seals it BUT you can use a gallon ziplock bag also to store everything and place it in any bag or just keep it in your car. You can also compartmentalize the kit in pieces/parts.

[@741podnammoc]

idk if anyone has mention it, but - After thinking about the packing options (I haven't got to his explanation of nylon tacticool yet), I might try using like the camper organizer/dry sacks. I think you could use it in conjunction with the ziplock or vacuum sealed bags, the dry sacks account for the weaknesses of the plastic bags. It doesn't even have to be water proof, and it serves as something you can stage your fixes on. I walk up to the scene, pop out my bright orange or whatever designated color dry sack (or mesh whatever), pop the vacuum or ziplock out, put the dry sack on the ground and pour the contents onto it. now you've got a 'table' platform to grab your medical tools from without having to dig, or put directly onto the ground or whatever surface you're dealing with. I'll give it a shot.

[@ransombaggins9301]

Excellent list! Combined with my regular EDC that includes writing utensils, lights, knives, etc. and you're pretty solid.

[@MikeWood]

I don't have a vacuum sealer, but I carry similar in a stand up slightly thicker Zip Loc-type freezer bag that all compresses really well in a cargo pocket. Tourniquet, NAR wound packing gauze, shears, 4 inch Israeli bandage, the Hyfin, and gloves. Will add a space blanket - good idea. Not trained on the NPA so I don't carry one. On yours, adding a couple of small duct tape flags to the cut marks will allow someone who doesn't know they are there to rip open the bag even under duress.

[@TheCodeTinkerer]

The trick with the vacuum bags is to get the one with the riveted/dotted texture. The clear/smooth ones suck and tends to clog up very easy, when vacuuming them. Furthermore please check the thickness measured in 'my'. Get something at least above 100 my or you risk that something pointy/cornered will puncture the bag. I usually go for 120-160 my. It also makes it easier to vacuum the bags tight.

[@aaronbruce9564]

Love this! Super simple and it’s EXACLY what’s in EVERY SINGLE IFAK you find on the web OUTSTANDING JOB!

[@jjfrange]

Thanks for this video. I've been making kits for cars, office, and edc with zip lock bags simply because I change the contents of my kits often. However, the vacuum sealer is a good idea for the items that I rarely use, but keep in each kit. Excellent tip!

[@tyler1776.]

Vacuum seal the rarely-used items and throw that whole package in a ziploc with everything else. Love it!

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

This is what I needed to see, I'm on a very Fixed budget and have almost no income. Being able to put together a kit, instead of spending $300 in one pop this way is much more feasible. That way I'm getting it together and have some of the things I need until I have a complete kit.

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

dollar store has EMT shears if you haven't bought them yet. Migh save you a few bucks. They work, I bought a few.

[@PaEMT_FF9]

Great video. Always preferred making my own kit. Street medic approximately 25 years.

[@ralphbove]

Excellent video. All good stuff and very well presented. I know its a controversial topic of having decompression needles in the kit for inexperienced providers but I believe they are imperative. I have read the comments about how trained medics rarely need to use them and how you can kill someone with them etc. I have spent 36 years in EMS and 32 as a nurse working inner city knife and gun clubs as well as the last 24 on a helicopter. I also went to CRNA school and work half time in anesthesia. Needle decompression is just another acquired skill but it can buy you time and save a life. I have taken care of hundreds of GSWs over the years and dealt with a significant number of tension pneumos. A simple decompression can buy you time. I have had my share of decompressions that didnt work due to large amounts of blood in the lung and they needed to be followed up with a field chest tube or surgical stab but you are looking to buy yourself some time with the needle. The comments are always inexperienced people shouldnt be carrying decompression needles etc. If you really think about it and someone is shot in the chest than I think the inexperience has now gone out the window. You have to do what you have to do to save that life. Others argue its a kit for yourself in case of injury and my response is- how many people do you think can get shot in the chest and have the skill to take out their chest seal and apply it to themselves- in reality, almost no one. If you are building a IFAK and are part of a tactical team, police team etc than you need to get learn how to decompress someone. its a simple skill.

[@DerbyCityRockCo]

Really appreciate this video! I started gathering trauma supplies to keep in my bag for serious accidents, mass casualty events, etc., and I’m glad to say I have everything listed already.

[@phild8095]

Being an old boy scout we have a first aid kit just for the shooting range. The shooting ranges we go to are rural, one is 10 minutes from an ambulance, 35 minutes to an ER. The other 5 minutes from an ambulance, 25 minutes to ER. I had a women step in front of my bench as I was lining up a shot. Held my shot, flipped the gun vertical. But it was close. Gloves, Instant cold compress. Eye wash and eye cup. Chest seals. quick clot gauze, gauze pads, more gauze pads Tape and more tape tourniquet and sharpie space blanket shears small trash bag And because we are often at the range with older people, a stethoscope, BP cuff and nitroglycerine and the skills to know when to use it. finally, some band aids Fits in a plastic 50 cal ammo can. One of those things you never want to use, but having it may save a life or help a broken suborbital bone or rinse the eye of that guy that shoots without glasses (A broken suborbital bone, think scope, we've all seen it online)

[@juliabrown5948]

Wow I hope that woman was banned from the range.

[@phild8095]

@@juliabrown5948 free public range in Iowa. No supervision. It was her first time. The guy that brought her went off on her, not only did I not say a thing, but I felt bad for her, as you are responsible for the guests you bring to the range.

[@samuelemmerling2474]

Hey Brother just an observation I made while watching, I set up my equipment to be ready for both a personal injury or working on a friend or family member and that being said when you vacuum sealed all your gear something that came to mind is if I’m bleeding out I wouldn’t want to have to try and rip it, even with that trick you showed. If your injured to the point where you lose the ability to manipulate one of your arms/hands that becomes a lot harder to do. Not trying to be rude in anyway just trying to put an alternate view point out there.

[@isaacschmitt4803]

Just gonna toss it out there that NAR has a sweetheart of a deal if you're a first responder, military, teacher, or are purchasing for a company. They've got a little thing by the cart icon that says "see if you qualify for a discount." It's super easy, just fill out the form and hit send. I'm a teacher for a small school and also our unofficial school nurse given the amount of emergency medical training I got in the Navy, so when I was ordering supplies I figured it wouldn't hurt to check. They approved me within the day. Ran the numbers, and it's a little over 20%, so instead of dropping $30 on a CAT, I can order them for a bit over $20. Also, for as much grief that they get, Harbor Freight sells a good pair of cheap shears. Not sure what they're selling for now, but I'm pretty sure when I bought mine they were about $3 each, and I bought a handful. I speak from experience when I say they will cut through a tin can and remain sharp, so I keep a pair in my TK pouch.

[@PiscatorLager]

I have no idea about this topic, but on several occasions I read that if you include a tourniquet you also include a pen, so you can write down the time of application for the emergency physician.

[@shrknan073]

you should add a fully occlusive dressing to your kit to prevent air embolism from an open neck wound. Also a cravat or two would be nice.

[@striveprosper295]

I only found this channel like a couple weeks ago I believe and I love it. Quality advice from a professional. Great content!

[@andrewbarker1775]

This would have been nice a month ago when I was looking to make one. I ended up buying Blue Force Gear's medium Trama Kit NOW! with the pro kit level of supplies. For those wondering, the only things it doesn't come with mentioned in the vid is the tourniquet, 4x4 gauze, and NPA. I bought a CAT to go with it, and I can add a 4x4. BFG's Advanced level comes with the NPA and a decompression needle. I decided not to get either because I'm likely not going to use either on myself or someone else, because I don't have the training to know how or when to use it properly. Plus, I'm not in a combat situation, so trained medics should be on their way with their ample supplies (relatively speaking). That said, great video Sam! Bless you for taking time to help us all learn.

[@SaberSoft]

NPAs are stupid easy to use it’s just lube it up and shove it in the nose

[@ProducerSteveo]

Very informative not many videos out there that show what you would need in an emergency situation. I learned a lot thanks

[@michaelroyle9393]

Great video. I just did this yesterday. I use this technique for FAKs that I leave in packs or survival kits that have a low likelihood of being used/opened regularly. 👍

[@RedEmpire36]

Great walk through man. Even if you are not trying to save money, you really should go this route. 18D and I never use the premade kits. It always works better to vaccum seal a custom one to your specific requirements.

[@user1-c8yrrr]

Resealable mylar bag with tear tabs+ straight hair iron + oxygen absorbing packet works as well for packaging. Things you don't use can be placed back into the mylar bag and resealed afterwards.

[@cheryldekoevend6626]

Thank you so much for this valuable video. I really appreciate how you explained each item and how you pack it in order of priority. I would add a sharpie to mark the time of the CAT Tourniquet. I would add a piece of first aid tape to mark the cuts on the bag where you rip it open so anyone can access the items.

[@shorelinewildlife4258]

I would add 1 NPA Lube. NREMT but anyone carrying a pistol should have this all the time. Great job with the presentation.

[@kentmulter]

Hi Sam, this is a great video, very helpful! Thinking about my own situation: I do some backpacking and bushcrafting. The most likely injuries for me are (1) cuts from accidents with a knife, saw, or hatchet; (2) burns from accidents with a campfire or portable stove; and (3) injuries from a fall in rough country while wearing a heavy pack. Have you done a video that applies specifically to that kind of "wilderness" first aid? If not, I'd love to see one! Thanks!

[@__-pl3jg]

Great explanation. I just spent 3 or 4 days thinking about what medical gear I should carry with me after I get my LTC. A snakestaff systems tourniquet of course but what else? What if I'm out hunting with a rifle and actually need to use a tourniquet? I'm probably going to also want some sheers to cut off my clothing. Then, i'm going to need some gauze and a bandage wrap to keep pressure....Maybe a chest seal in case it's in my chest. Then, I stumbled on this video and was like, "Oh, it's called an IFAK!😄 And it also has a mylar blanket and a NPA. Nice! Now that I know what this is I'm definitely looking forward to putting a kit everywhere and doing some practice with each of the items.

[@Screamingtut]

I got an idea, put in the bag an empty one-gallon freezer ziplock (make sure you keep it unzipped so you can vacuum seal it) so you got a place to keep anything together after you open up the sealed package. that is what I did (because my OCD kicked in LOL) I was an EMT then a paramedic back in the with NYC-EMS from 1972-1983.

[@motorboater211]

I have all of those items in my hunting pack as a trauma kit. Never thought to keep them in a vacuum bag, it just makes so much sense. Keeps it all clean and dry. I’ll be ditching the nylon case and packaging it up like this. Thank you.

[@daphneraven6745]

nylon cases can go inside a vacuum seal bag; that way you have everything kept nice and dry and compact, so if you’re fumbling in a mad rush to help your buddy, There’s no chance that the contents of your vacuum bag will go flying into the bush and be hard to find.

[@adamvasquez9326]

AWESOME video! I love how you showed how you actually seal it in the bag and open it to show how easy and simple it can be. Great tips!

[@takedeadaim8671]

If your looking less expensive trauma bandage, you can substitute one of the smaller A 5x8 gauze and a roll of vet wrap from a farm store, it’s Kurlex just at half the price. I have used triangular bandages as TQ’s multiple times and they worked just fine. I suggest marking the opening points of all packaging with a red marker of some kind. A mini sharpie is good in the kit as well so you can mark any important patient information on the patient in the event they become altered or unresponsive. I’m not knocking what you have or said just adding a few things I learned in nearly 30 years on the job.

[@AbeSandyWX]

Love your videos. As a Park Ranger and a trained EMR, this channel has taught me a lot about what to keep in my kits. I plan on getting the ankle kit to use because sometimes I'm on foot patrol, and I think those would be nice.

[@wolfman2702]

I am a First Aid and Scuba Instructor, I keep several well stocked FA kits and review the contents several times a year and after any use. Old or expired components are removed and saved for my students to use for skills evaluation.

[@Nerdelkin]

Great video, thank you! I've built my first IFAK I have in my backpack for EDC following your suggestions and few others bloggers. Never thought I'd have to carry it, but today in Ukraine you kinda better have one for safety, if you can. My kit almost identical to what you suggest, but I didn't get chest seals, as gun wound isn't top danger, mostly you have to be prepared for missile/drone strikes, so bleeding control is the top priority. And I substituted separate gauze and ETD with single OLAES 4" flat. I trained myself with both OLAES and israel type, and OLAES is my favorite of two, thanks to velcro they're much easier to apply, but with israel type I do have feeling I can apply more pressure. And thanks to space saved I managed to add 2nd 4" israel type. And I added tourniquets and 6" to my car/home kits. Thank you again for your work! P.S. I'd love to hear about tourniquet conversion if you're in a situation when there are more than 2 hours till professional help arrive for you or someone you provide first aid to. And one more, I saw some vids for israel type with 2 pads, when they use 2nd pad as packing material. Is it relevant?

[@becky2235]

Hiya friend,just want to say I hope you're doing ok? Glad you're medically prepared but I hope you havnt had to use it!

[@kiel555]

CPR face shield is not only to get air in. It’s also to block anything coming out. Colleagues did CPR last week on a patient with internal bleeding. Blood came out of the nose & mouth and covered them as well. Mentally that was hard for them to experience. PTSD is a real threat.

[@preacher1776]

Loved this presentation. As a kid that grew up in earthquake country, I always had a "survival" kit in my car. It wasn't anything like this. Few things I saw for deployment and such, but, this was fantastic!

[@jerryfarmer5989]

I go expect the worst and hope and hope for the best. Yeah far and few between will you come across of run into a major head wound, chest puncture or missing limb. I keep quick clot handy and er can yell at me later. I like the self stick wraps. Bungie cords are not comfy but they can work as a stop the bleeding wrap. Good stuff sir and thank you.

[@Rick-bj2zp]

The bad thing about vacuum sealers is changes in altitude, I have sealed things on the valley floor and when I went up to the mountains it turned into a balloon with stuff rattling around in it.

[@ExecutionerDan]

If i seal something in the moutains you think itll be fine then? I live in east idaho which is high enough up to take into account. Will it change going down.

[@Rick-bj2zp]

@@ExecutionerDan it's the change in barometric pressure that does it. Going up the air inside expands going down is the opposite, as long as the stuff inside is resistant to being crushed your ok.

[@haley746]

That means you didn't vacuum it enough 🙃

[@lxtx99v12]

Thanks Reid. Can’t wait to be back at the ridge and hear the sound of freedom again! Well said. God bless you

[@JADudley]

Great idea. At Refuge Medical we have what we call the SLIK Kit because we want the tourniquet easily accessible.

[@pjparsons9555]

Shalom Dudley! Let’s not tell Bear we were here lol. Much love everybody at Refuge/Grindstone

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

Yeah I was going to get one of those kids I just can't afford it maybe later down the line I could, but I got to build my own until I can afford a better one.

[@JADudley]

@@BUZZKILLJRJR make a price list and compare it to what we have. You can use code: DUDLEY for 10% off. Also our Black Friday sale will be crazy. We have daily deals on Instagram allmylinks.com/REFUGE

[@AkiSan0]

on CPR: if you are trained with CPR+breathing, put in a helper-mask! if you are around situations where heavy o2 deprivation can occur, do it, as there it makes a BIG difference! examples would be drowning, drug induced apnea or physical/chemical deprivation. on the other hand: if you dont feel comfortable, pure compression is better than none! ;)

[@Graver81-69]

This guy appears to be very knowledgeable. I assume he’s a medic with not only proper civilian medical experience but also some kind of military background. I’m subscribing to learn more.

[@matthewstandridge225]

Npc comment

[@Graver81-69]

@@matthewstandridge225 that’s odd

[@sterlingodeaghaidh5086]

Currrently working on building out a jump bag for EMT work. Where I live its all voulenteer and with the distances it makes sense to have one in your vehicle with ya so that someone can get started while the ambulance is coming from over an hour away.

[@rtek777]

Paint section of Home Depot or Lowes you can find boxes of Nitrile and Latex gloves.

[@G_FactorX]

I appreciate you work. I’m a RN,EMT-P in Florida. Thanks

[@metajock]

Good one, dude. I'll stick with the heavy grade ziplocks, but otherwise this is what I put together. Makes me feel better about what I did. Thanks!!!

[@tomj528]

Nice kit but I would absolutely go with Ziploc freezer bags instead...you can even run all the air out of the bag with the water displacement technique. Unlike vacuum sealing it won't burst the sealed bandages either. Easy to open and close to reuse as well as being useful as a container for other things like carrying water. I was lucky and scored a few Coleman first aid kits for $7.99 each that were very basic but came with trauma scissors and were large enough to be reorganized with better supplies that are targeted to more serious injuries. We took a very good free first aid class from our local gun range that was taught by a teenage girl that did a fantastic job.

[@elliottdmann]

Great info. Love your channel. I appreciate your help in solidifying my trauma response kits and plans. Keep on!

[@jtimgray]

I have never needed to use a kit like this, though I have carried one in my car since I have been carrying a firearm, about 3 years. I have completed multiple trainings and frequently watch videos for reference and to keep the information fresh in my mind. I like this because of the savings but even more for the first hand knowledge about what each item is and why I need it or how to use it. To me that is more important than saving money. Just my 12 cents worth, eh...you know, with inflation and all.

[@Aethelhadas]

Thats really great, thank you for all you do. I agree and would like to be like this. Lolled at the 12 cents.

[@augreich]

The X Shears are robust and will last a long time and will cut through more faster. But your standard NAR shears are great too

[@collintoerner-todd6329]

I just put together my own ifak and used ziplock. I packaged the gloves and sheers in a separate bag from the rest of the supplies, and put both bags into a belt pouch that I sewed together and embroidered so that in case of emergency I can just tear my supplies out of my belt pouch.

[@hyenalingo]

5.11 has some surprisingly cheap trauma shears that are astoundingly good

[@matthewbeaver5026]

I know many will frown on it. But if you don't want to fork out the $ for a cat. A bandana and pen will work, well can work in a pinch.

[@puppiesarepower3682]

Thank you to all the people who receive medical training. I wish I had the mindset to endure what you all come to see. But I'm aware that things will happen and we all have to be prepared and resourceful to the best of our ability.

[@dannyh9010]

Take a Stop the Bleed course. They are inexpensive and a great way to feel much more prepared for an emergency.

[@puppiesarepower3682]

@@dannyh9010 I will look it up, thanks.✌️

[@glenmo1]

Thanks I used your advice.. I built a small kit that I will actually carry.. I went with the SWAT-T tourniquet.. I know they're not combat approved and all like that but it's so small it works and it can be also used as a pressure bandage.. I also added a very tiny 1×AAA FLASHLIGHT just in case.. I always have a flashlight on me but you never know... Instead of combat gauss I have regular gauze but I carry a packet of blood stopper powder.. two packs for like five bucks at Walmart.. Mine is in a Small .zip hard shell case.. which fits right in my pocket and organizes it a little bit.. thanks for the video it was a real big help

[@dameongray6412]

I used to work at a hospital in housekeeping and happened to find two still in the package. No damage to package in the garbage. At first I thought it was a mistake, but then I realized the tourniquet drawer was on the opposite side of the room. So I got two cat tourniquets for free

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

Yeah hospitals are super anal about cross contamination. If they suspect anything might be dirty, they chuck it.

[@johnalexander4250]

That’s theft be careful

[@dameongray6412]

@@johnalexander4250 I don't think taking something out of the garbage is considered theft but I will check the laws in my state on that and get back to you

[@johnalexander4250]

@@dameongray6412 ok I thought you said out of the drawer but be careful they may claim you still stole them if counts are off just get documentation ok’ing it I guess 🤷‍♂️

[@Cary_Glenn]

A face shield is important to include. In Canada, giving breaths as part of CPR is still standard and is the standard for resuscitation from ILCOR. Rescue breaths are critically important in drowning situations. You need to cite your references when you say that breaths are unnecessary.

[@alee3146]

Rescue breathing is preferred but not considered to be essential if the choice is between compressions only vs no CPR whatsoever. What is key / critical is to always connect with 9-1-1 immediately without delay to get the ball rolling in the chain of survival. It varies whether one is lay bystander responder vs trained in prehospital care with a duty to respond. Paediatric drowning resuscitation calls for rescue breathing. All is explained in American Heart Assn / Cdn Heart Strike Fndtn latest updates online which are consistent with ILCOR.

[@andrii.personal]

Btw, in Ukraine we have NATO certified tourniquet at around 15$, called SICH. Maybe you are interested in reviewing those)

[@yorkiemom7858]

Brandon Mitchell actually prefers SICH brand 😉

[@ericdpeerik3928]

New to me. I'm about to check it out.

[@HoffnerPrecision]

I just looked them up because I’m about to purchase 20 tourniquets for my guides. They’re $34-$40 now.

[@nicholaspratt8473]

If you place the tape at the top of the items, or wrap extra around, then the bag might tear along the line and be a clean pour/reach-in. Maybe you could make other shapes, like a diagonal fold across the center with the top and 1 side tearing. You could also fit this to your rip style. For instance, placing a strip bottom left to upper right then tearing the top from left to right would fold it down to the right. If you roll it over and do the same direction, the tapes will be opposite each other. As log as you tear the same, it will open the same fold to the bottom right.

[@SkinnyMedic]

Very nice!

[@matt79de]

Great video, Sam. Thanks alot. Acutally, i think the title says it (almost) all: If you want to run an IFAK and save money, build it yourself. Because you can skip the stuff a prepacked kit comes with that you probably won't need ever. This is also the one thing i found people tend to ignore when packing their IFAK: What scenarios could you possibly encounter? (Do you need chest seals? Or would a BVM and a TVAC be potentially more useful? Are gunshot wounds a thing or do you or your friends/family tend to work with machines like chainsaws instead? Do you really need a splint in your environment? How about meds (diarrhea, painkillers, what have you)? Well, i guess, by now it's clear where this is going...) Also, some items in pre-packed kits are downright crap at times. Not so much the type of item, but the individual manifestation of the type. E.g. in many german pre-packed kits you can throw out the tape they provide you with even without thinking and replace it with some quality brethren (if you wanted tape in there). (I guess we all have stories like that...) So buying the good stuff right away can also be a money saver. ("Buy once, cry once." as they say.) P.S.: Never forget the humble bandaid.

[@oakironwork4331]

I would definitely recommend the chest seal pretty high on the list because if you’re building an ifak it’ll probably be the same one you take to the range

[@PrepMedic]

Yeah but the efficacy and “life saving” capabilities of a chest seal are simply not that impressive

[@PeterKnagge]

@@PrepMedic check out the sobering statistics in the Wikipedia article "gun violence in the United States". Americans don't even recognise the gun problem in their own country. For example, gun violence is the most likely cause of death for American children. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.

[@hosedragger-204]

@@PrepMedic if nothing else, at least it will help in keeping additional foreign matter/debris out of the wound.

[@tedwaterhouse564]

You can put a thin strip of duct tape across the bag above and below the little cuts of about a 3/8ths to 1/4 inch spaced between them. When you pull to open the bag it is less likely for the bag to explode while opening.

[@crumply5959]

Recruit tape, or medical tape is also really useful as well cause it can secure dressings or bandages and its really cheap

[@TheTugtastic]

Useful in a main first aid kit, but there's nothing in that IFAK that would need it.

[@tomarmstrong4761]

I keep a Benchmade 7 Hook most of the time, in addition to a couple small packages of Quik Clot and a SWAT-T tourniquet in my EDC. I figure the SWAT-T is more likely to be used on someone else, so I don't mind that I can't use it one-handed, and it's also useful as just a "hold the gauze in place" piece, so the multi-function capability is worth carrying in a discrete package. I fully recognize the value of having a CAT or SOF-T or other TCCC-approved commercial tourniquet on hand, and if my kit is more extensive than what I can stuff into the hip pocket of my jeans, I'll add some cold packs and multiple Mylar blankets.

[@kelvinteoh9058]

I searched MPA, MTA, NTA and finally NPA in an iFAK and finally found out what it was. Nasopharyngeal airway 🤦‍♂️. I thought it was something you shoved down the esophagus after making an incision like you see in the movies where a hollow tube pen body is used 😂. Great lesson all the same. Thanks.

[@jaspermcxmas4729]

haha yes, if you wanna sound fancy theres also an OPA for oropharyngeal airway. inserted orally, but only tolerated by patients who dont have a gag reflex, so give them a good pinch first to be sure theyre knocked out enough that they wont gag. or just use an NPA (theyre usually better)

[@aviko9560]

I'd maybe print a list of things inside with big font + expiration dates. Especially when you make your own kits, it doesn't have to be you who will open one.

[@DIXONSA2001]

Having a custom made first aid thing to have in a car would be great to have whenever I'm not actively working in EMS in the future. Get the things I'll train with or get more knowledge about. Because I got the mentality it's better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it.

[@thomaswiggins6945]

Love your videos. I live and play in the alps and would like to hear your thoughts on a kit that is geared for the mountains (summer and winter). I am having trouble balancing weight/size with content of potential lifesaving tools and comfort tools which are more likely to be used more frequently. Fellow ski patroller by the way!

[@mattwenger5667]

Probably mentioned elsewhere..but a small lubrication jelly packet may be a good add for NPA application and a lighter or small tac light wrapped with 8-10 loops of medical tape (to peel off and use) could be good adds. Trauma shears and lighter would be a consideration if you plan to make a kit for commercial airline travel. Btw…as a last resort the plastic pouch and added tape could be adhoc chest seal.

[@daphneraven6745]

That’s a good point. Old school just seals. Have a sheet of gauze impregnated with Vaseline. It’s not too hard to seal off the end of a drinking straw, To fill the straw with Vaseline, or other substances that you think you might need. Then you have only to take a little swab with some alcohol in it to clean off the open end, pinch it with a pair of pliers, and then seal the end with your lighter. Label it with a marker, covered with a piece of tape, to keep the writing from rubbing off, and you have your extra improvised seal in a pinch. That being said, it takes a little more experience to use those.

[@Sean-yr9fg]

I work in a factory and a few weeks ago I took off a good chunk of my finger with a razor knife. It wasn't down to the bone but it was about 1/8inch of skin I wasn't paying attention. This kind of thing happens frequently here, a lot of guys are on blood thinners and stopped the bleeding can be hard ( I'm not on blood thinners and it took an hour for my finger to clot). Any suggestions for a small kit for hand/finger injuries?

[@ina268]

I work in a store and prone to small cuts on my fingers. My kit is extremely basic (as for your work setting): a 2.5 cm (one inch I guess) width Micropore or Transpore surgical tape (you can tear them with your hands), an antiseptic spray and in case the cut is across a joint, I'm ready to immobilize it with some make shift piece of wood or plastic and keep it in place with a self-adhesive tape like Coban (requires shears). A colleague of mine has a mom who is on blood thinners, she says only constant pressure for 10 or more minutes (if I remember correctly) works for her minor cuts. I'd check if available to you hemostatic dressings indicated for the people on blood thinners, then they could decrease the time to apply pressure to stop bleeding.

[@Sean-yr9fg]

@@ina268 thank you for your help!

[@floridahuntsman7915]

I think the blanket is an awesome addition that I failed to consider! That’s why I watch the pro. Thank you

[@michaelsorenson3887]

Those "Tear here" setups don't always work. Even from the big name brands. Great idea to have shears outside. I've had some that were so hard to tear that if my life was on the line it might have made the difference.

[@TheDogsFather]

I have always done something in between the prebuilt and self built kits. I buy a good premade kit that I like the bag or container it comes in and then I remove and add things that are more in line with what I want/need to carry as well as upgrading the things that suck in prebuilt kits like shears, tweezers, tourniquets, specimen jars, and most other tools. I have yet to find a compact first aid kit that includes glucose, liquid Benadryl, and a quick access pouch or section for more immediate supplies.

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

where is the emergency kush?

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Seek help for your addiction

[@Snayperskayavintovkadragunova]

Loser

[@g54023]

Great info! I appreciate the fact that you acknowledge the fact that not everyone NEEDS Grade A gear in a civilian role. So many people wether paid shills, or just gear snobs attest to the fact that you NEED to carry the most expensive gear on the market. That is certainly not the case. Although it does come with some peace of mind, how much is it worth/relevant to your daily needs/qualifications? I certainly get the fact that proven gear is desirable, but in a lot of instances it is just not attainable/necessary for the everyday person. Again, thanks for the great info and keep up the good work!