What's in my IFAK | Royal Marine & Bushcraft instructor shares | EDC Med Kit

[@LAsoccerboy16]

This channel is of such ridiculous quality and you are a total natural in front of the camera my man. Keep it up I hope this channel explodes in the outdoor activity world. Much better than some of the huge channels I've seen. best of luck !

[@stevec-b6214]

you must mean the ones that carry steak and beer up a slight incline within sight of the car park!

[@gordonstrong5232]

Holy cow, that anecdote about the woman in the pub sent a shiver down my spine just thinking about it. Massive respect to you for saving that woman's life and dealing with that mate. She was very lucky you were there, 99% of people would have no idea what to do in that situation 👍

[@davehumpleby3440]

Good advice. As a Medic I feel duty-bound to carry a comprehensive FAK wherever I go. It's a pain, and heavy, but has been justified more than once. Out mountain biking one time I came around a corner to find a guy doubled up on the floor, bleeding heavily from his abdomen. He'd wiped out on the same corner, gone over the bars and impaled himself on a tree stump. The Celox and Olaes (another name for Israeli btw) bandage stemmed the bleed while we waited for the air ambulance. He would have been in a far more critical condition had it not been for my beefy med kit! I'd feel naked without it whenever I'm in the great outdoors now.

[@473specop]

Dropping some Vets off after a Bushcraft class I spotted an old lady on the pavement [outside her home, with daughter about to take her out]. Her forearm was broke [dangling down], I jumped in to the back of my van and dug out a homemade sycamore Spatula and an old FFD to bandage it, amazing how much more at ease she was once it was supported and 'looking' normal again!

[@rialobran]

I remember the golden hour well from my time in the fire service. Good job on the girl in the bathroom, the training took over there for sure. I generally carry much the same as you for much the same jobs, the only difference being a shelter aspect usually a disposable poncho and or a foil blanket when out on the moor or canoeing.

[@chrismahon7977]

A perfect demonstration of the Platinum ten minutes. 600 seconds to safe a life or the next 5400 seconds become null and void.

[@LycanthropiesSpell]

I've saved my own life once by sticking my right thumb in my left wrist. Was drying a salad bowl with a kitchen towel, and the bowl just broke in three pieces...one piece fell to the ground, one piece was still in me left hand, and the piece in my right hands went...slash! Left one big gaping hole the size of a human bite. Three years of first aid training ( from the Red Cross manual ) made me use my thumb after only two sprays ( straight into some bloke's face... ) and had a girl that was there ball up a towel, and made Her put it in the back of my elbow, and then made Her wrap another one around my arm and pull it tight - luckily, She had had Nurse training back in Poland. That happened on a Sunday afternoon 13:10 to be precise, we had to drive to the hospital...and wait for a surgeon and a full team. Finally got all of the necessary people on site...at 20:30. Was still hitting on the nurse though. When I go on long trips with my motorcycle, I always have two IFAKS on my person, one being the expansion of the other - with a couple of overlaps ( 2 CAT's, 2 Israeli's, shears,...), placed so that I can get to them with my Left or Right hand. Knowledge & training...keep it fresh and up to date !!!

[@edelmurray1260]

Wow thank you for sharing your an angel 😇🙌 love the channel should be shown in schools 🙌

[@420haxx]

You get a thumbs up right off the bat for that photo at 1:06.

[@phillipbrotheridge7740]

Thanks again for another down to earth, real world video. I was trained on tourniquets years ago but have never carried on, but I'm going to locate one now and will be adding celox gauze to my major trauma pouch. BTW, thanks for sharing the story of the woman you treated and how it still affects you Today. I still carry memories, and back in the day you were just expected to move on and forget it, but it's not that easy. Thanks again.

[@alexchichigin]

Just recently I watched a video where our Russian guys (including two medics and one ex military officer) were explaining an algorithm what to do in a car crash and demonstrated how hard it is to stop major bleeding from lower limbs with a tourniquet and it's next to impossible to stop it with anything else. I'm now determined to buy a tourniquet for my EDC IFAK.

[@alexchichigin]

And get some practical first-aid training 'coz I have none, which realistically means my IFAK is next to useless.

[@doliergr]

Loving the content buddy, super clear and informative. one thing that you might want to think about adding to your IFAK is aspirin, super useful for sus cardiac issues can really make the difference if you or someone else has issues eh.

[@steveprowse649]

Great vid. I'd add clean water vials for flushing out eyes.

[@fieldstone_productions]

Seconded on the Asprin. Great top tip that.

[@JohnAlot]

Trauma nurse here. WOW! What a story. You really rose to the occasion and saved a life. Not too many "civilians" can claim that. I toast to you and to your quick thinking. Really good trauma kits. I also carry a CPR barrier mask in case I need to give rescue breathing, and a tourniquet. (I carry 14 G needles for tension pneumo decompression, sutures, and some IV/IM meds like diphenhydramine, decadron, and epinephrine, but without advanced training they might not be worth the volume in your kit.)

[@BartonThom]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us

[@maxhfx]

I've been binge-watching several of your videos and I really appreciate your simple and to-the-point approach. This is outstanding content - keep up the great work!

[@stefan3625]

The woodsman plaster is what i use as a mechanic at work, except its tissue paper or a rag and electrical tape

[@diedrichlubben3479]

I also have wound disinfectant and Fenistil Gel in my kit. Small wounds can get nasty, too, if infected and nobody needs itching bites.

[@rudrougos1080]

Incredible story. You explain things so nicely & filming is beautiful. So relaxing to chill out and watch your videos, rewatch and come back to, learn something new 🌿

[@rudrougos1080]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 such an amazing person to not only come back from what you have been through, which must have been so awful and devastating, but use it in a positive way to help others. Its inspiring. The world needs more people like you. The power of nature and the human spirit. ✨🌿🤗

[@kentmulter]

I still have the Tupperware tub that I used as my backpacking FAK, after drawing a red cross on the lid. I've been using a smaller kit recently; but after watching your video, I may need to upgrade. Thanks for a lot of great ideas, and also for sharing your feelings about the importance of these skills.

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk4518]

I use the Tupperware ware type kit for my outdoor trips. I add a renew things as I need.

[@LC128]

About the Tupperware pot. In a patrol medic Bergen has a load of them in as it is easier to store some items

[@margueritemitchell1829]

🇨🇦 I would call that a pressure bandage. When I did my OFA 3 the first time we were taught direct pressure. About ten years later they "updated" and removed that. And replaced it with the wind lass tourniquet. I've had to use my training when I wasn't expecting it🙂

[@letsgoducks9512]

Great video .. thanks !!! Best first aide tape I found is hockey tape .. made to get wet and still stick

[@johnmeddick9228]

Another very informative video Nick. I was very impressed how you saved the life of the unfortunate lady who was seriously injured by the broken mirror. Good job there Nick. By the way, I’m very impressed with your presenting style and you presenting technique is very good. Looking forward to the next Video😁👍👍 🤝

[@mountaineer5596]

It nice to watch a video that was made by someone who actually knows what they are talking about.

[@nickbruce6644]

I do!, defo I carry two different ones, in two different rucksacs.

[@revoularp.2212]

Starting to get into this myself, thanks for your help. It’s noble.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Great information and well done 1980 on a first aid course StJohns we were told a fist 🤛🏻 pressure or even your heel on a femoral Artery if no other means available on you. Also to apply a T to the forehead

[@kevinoutdoors4861]

Hi Nick tupperwares in the IFAK are old school and still very popular for good reason they work really well in protecting the contents and you can find what you need when you really need it quickly everybody who's out doing activity should carry one with them good basics thank you for sharing

[@CyberpunkV2077]

Many thanks for taking your time for uploading this video. Well done for talking about that difficult situation you faced that time.

[@themindsetpeacock7172]

Thats a sketchy crossing!! Very brave ha ha.... You may of needed your own IFAK.... Thank you for sharing your story!!!!

[@Soggz7785]

Hi Nick. Hope you are well. Only just seen this vid, as I am making up a chainsaw kit for work. The woodsman’s plaster. Done that a few times with a tissue and electrical insulation tape! 😂 All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@stefanrobinson2920]

Great video thankyou.i also use a 1 ltr tupper ware clicklock box as my first aide box.its contence are much the same as your bags combined..thankyou for showing us.keep up the great videos im realy enjoying them.

[@alecturner2008]

Good video, as have been the few I've seen before. I do a lot of target shooting, including shooting plates on practical ranges. I get grief for being a doom bringer for having a CAT, Israeli bandage and Celox dressing. I've not had to use it yet, but I still take it to the firing point. Better to have and not need than need and not have.

[@marcbenoit9150]

Hello again from the great white north. Great video, learned a few things I should probably add to my kit. I've always know Israeli bandages by that name. Definitely a must when in the woods with a chainsaw. As for Tupperware, it definitely is old school, but if it isn't broken, don't fix it. I've my fire kit in one, and first aid in another. They've always been dry and never let me down.

[@wandering_not_lost]

A very useful video Nick, thanks. I work in the ambulance service and we use a trauma dressing which is very similar to the Israeli dressing, it's called an Olaes Dressing, and it has the same features as the Israeli. We also use Celox gauze and of course tourniquets, I think we're currently using the SOF tourniquet but we did have the CAT version until recently. Oh and we have a blast bandage to cover amputated limbs or really significant abdominal wounds. Incidentally I think I heard you say that your Ibuprofen tablets were a 600mg dose? I've seen it for sale in Egypt in this dose but the UK max dose is 400mg so you may not be able to buy more 600mg tablets when yours have run out. All the best, keep the great videos coming please.

[@wandering_not_lost]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Yes apparently the appalling injuries our armed forces suffered in Iraq and Afganistan led to us getting better trauma kit. I know that many more soldiers survived with multiple amputations due to the dressings and tourniquets that they had compared to years before when an amputation probably meant a fatality. I suppose its good to know that some good came from all that suffering. respects to you and all our armed forces. Thank you for your service. easy to say but believe me, I mean it.

[@leemichel8199]

i only carry an israily antihystemines ,pain killers gaffer tape,celox and cat tornaque ,with a tube of superglue ,, 90% of accidents are minor which can be dealt with after your trip or at base camp . the only major incidents are covered in my IFAK ,and its in a poach ready to go ,,great advice btw on first aid courses ,need to update mine soon ,, god bless... lee

[@seasoldier3902]

Others have eloquently commented and praised the content of your video Nick. I carry a tampon in my kit and a small vial of potassium permanganate. The veterans amongst your audience appreciate the "Harry black maskers!"

[@stefanschleps8758]

Thank you for sharing with us. I love this channel. Always something practical. This episode has inspired me to get recertified First Aid trained. Red Cross offers courses in most countries. For those of you interested. In my experience it is often a twelve hour course taken over three days. Good luck with it.

[@WilliamJones85]

Another great video 👌🏼 liking the sneaky inserts of Black Mambe Man. Stay well mate

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

You saved her life...!!! Pressure points, direct pressure, elevation. I'm sure she was in hypovolemic and psychogenic shock as well. 20 minutes for the ambulance... that happens in the U.S. too. I like what you did with the Israeli bandage, and I NEED some Celox's. I'm going to be ordering a British gas mask pouch 4"x11"x10" to velcro to the front of my pack for the trauma etc stuff. Yeah, once in a while we're able to get some good British kit... The over the counter"meds" (acetaminophen, "excedrin", ibuprophen, diphenhydramine, antibiotic, hydrocortisone, and silvadine (1st & 2nd degree burns) creams are inside (with MY heart prescriptions)... What I carry will be primarily for myself and my party. But like you, I'll help out in a life or death situation. In the States we have some peculiar laws... DON'T give a stranger any meds by mouth...and really not even water if you can avoid it... unless you want to risk ending up in court ! Your R.M. training and knowledge is very very good & close to that of a Certified First Responder in the U.S. Excellent video !

[@kokopelau6954]

Your tissue bandage is like what we did in the country back in the 50's on the farm except we used duct tape and old worn out cotton sheets or shirts just like my grandfather did in the 1800's except they just tied the rags together cause they didn't have tape. See how far we have progressed over the last hundred years! ;-)

[@thomasbrown1206]

velcro straps, (reusable) kiddies hair bands, elastic reusable.. Potassium permanganate, loads of uses inc. wound cleaner/sanitizer..

[@Whereawarewolf]

I have most of this in my IFAK. I’d add a few extras to yours. A Swat-T tourniquet (it works as a compression wrap, tourniquet, and sling), some rolled gauze (good for packing a large or deep laceration), and charcoal. Plain charcoal, not the stuff for BBQs. It will kill any parasites or bacteria in your digestive tract. In the wilderness, vomiting or diarrhea could mean serious problems. Even at work a stomach bug can make you life horrible. Believe me, it really works and has an infinite shelf life.

[@freshun69]

If I'm bleeding out, I won't care if your kit is in a Tupperware box of a plastic bag. I carry my kit in a zip up trap bag. Great work. Keep i t up.

[@jinxjones5497]

_I've just consolidated 2 smaller kits into one bag that is more 2 hand sized but there's at least 5 or 6 of the survival Cs also incorporated. A lot of redundancies so surgical scissors and "penny shears" (you can really cut a penny in half with them), a small civil defence Mora knife, all shades of bandages, plasters, tapes, medical, zinc and 1 inch gorilla tape, gloves, face protectors (although you're taught to just use compressions now but you never know) water purification tablets, torch plus a couple of glow sticks, again redundancies, pressure pads, no tourniquet but paracord and pressure bandages , fish line, needles personal meds, waterproof paper book, mechanical pencil. Pencils, pen, sharpie, couple of proper quality space blankets, tweezers, antiseptic cream, alcohol wipes, sterile surgical blades. Super glue. Everything but the kitchen sink and layers of redundancies like I said. When you've actually saved at least one life your existence on the planet is justified. There's probably stuff I've forgotten about but it's there if needed. Last call was a drunken neighbour knocking on the door at past midnight with a nasty gash on her ankle. Patched her up and called her an ambulance_

[@Mattyakker]

Nick the civvy name of the Israelie bandage is a trauma fix. Check out really good first aid as we stock them and also deliver outdoor First Aid courses. Great videos. Keep it up.

[@paulrowntree2800]

A great video, I only discovered your channel today but, I'm loving your stuff. Something definitely worth thinking about is Imodium. Diarrhoea sounds more annoying than dangerous but as I'm sure you already know, if you are already dehydrated it can be very dangerous. Keep up the good work chap.

[@scottmcbain5528]

Love your videos, very straight forward, informative and on point 👍

[@willjohnson1273]

Just remember to check your expiry dates on medications, not so important on equipment e.g. tourinquets etc. On the use of tourniquets remember you may need to use more than 1 per injury. And they have to be really tight to get the pressure on above the bleed point if possible.

[@GreytOutdoorsMedic]

Don’t worry about suturing, its difficult and not the gold standard. Get some superglue as is identical to the medical stuff. Or get two strips of duct tape, stick a piece of paracord along the longest end and fold the tape around it a stick a third of the tape onto itself, do that for both pieces of tape. Stick the tape either side of the wound with the paracord nearest the wound. Then use a needle and insert it under the paracord and pull the two bits of tape together. Should pull the would closed. Then cover and kiss better to prevent infection ;)

[@huntingandcampingwales485]

Hi mate. Recently came across your channel and enjoying the content a lot. Appreciate the effort. 👍

[@chrisgreen8916]

Good advice there Nick. Speaking from personal experiance of trying to use tweesers to remove a tick and causing the body of the tick to detach from the head, leaving the head stuck in my skin, I beleive a tick removal tool is a far better option than tweesers. Cheers.

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

A good topic Nick, Lifesystems do a good selection of IFAK equipment, also if you find a BMW or Merc check out behind the centre pull down arm in the back seats, they hold a very comprehensive FAK 👌🏻

[@1982Noddin]

What a brilliant video and channel. Should be alot more than 5.5k subscribers!

[@1982Noddin]

Will do mate, trying to promote my own channel too but what chance do I have when there's stuff like yours out there! Keep em coming buddy!

[@1982Noddin]

No worries! Though a sub from you would mean alot 😀😀

[@Peteablokeoutdoors]

Good video mate 👍🏻 As regards Tupperware or pouches I use what works for me at the time, both are good options, I normally carry the Life systems mountain leader kit along with a small Molle trauma pack containing CAT x2 Emergency Care Bandage( Israel Dressing)x2, Cellox Rapid x1, Russell’s chest seal x2 and OPAs and NPAs to help maintain an airway along with tuff cut scissors and gloves. I do a lot of hiking when not in lockdown, mostly in remote locations to avoid the crowds so like to know I can sort myself out or others if the shit hits the fan. ( I’m a CMT 1 in the RAMC in you were wondering 👍🏻) Love your channel mate, keep up the good work 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@MikeWood]

That is a really good idea to repack the Israeli bandage so the pressure dressing is facing out. Same idea as staging the CAT. You could go one further and put the dressing in a vacuum sealed bag after the mod. Edit: just as moderate vacuum. Not crush it flat. :)

[@fieldstone_productions]

Great video Nick. I'll be delivering First Aid courses tailored for the outdoor life from July this year.

[@marmadukegrimwig]

Great vid. Very useful tip on the Israeli bandage. I assume taking it out of the sealed wrapper doesn’t affect lifespan? And contamination isn’t the major issue when blood’s spurting out?

[@wojtek14]

Another useful video. Good job !

[@larrytanner7340]

Great vid mate! I always carry feminine pads as they make great FAK. From a Cdn vet

[@chrismahon7977]

It doesn’t have to be a work of art, it just has to work. BZ

[@krishoogstraat6866]

Great video with lots of useful information. Thanks for sharing!

[@juliakennedy2409]

I would much rather if you shared more about the first aid kit, and not just the sections of the bag. I like that you included a video about this, though.

[@pachinko32]

Plastic tapperware is also anti rattling!

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

I wonder why its called an Israeli bandage? That all I no it to be also.... I keep one at work in the first aid kit as im a tree surgeon defo a good addition the first aid kit. great vid

[@vikingbushcraft1911]

Top video - very useful 👍 and Tupperware rules!

[@johnmcgrath2616]

Another good video with good tips, thanks

[@richbuilds_com]

My personal first aid kit for hiking and bushcrafting in the UK is built around Burns, Bites, Bleeding and Blisters. Anything outside that and I'm calling 999 'cos this isn't deepest darkest Africa :-)

[@paulsoutdooradventures1790]

This was brilliant video

[@davidcann6021]

If you're still shooting would you also add a chest seal? Have you ever need a compact mirror if you're on your own for eye injuries? Was the femoral artery direct or indirect pressure? I remember when I was scuba diving training and the teacher said he'd tried to find the pulse on his wife and couldn't. I'm feeling like the kid in home alone who popped across the street and kept asking questions :)

[@gavinmiller690]

You can use the Israeli dressing wrapper as a chest seal. Inside/sterile side to skin and 3 sided tapping. Use all the same kit through years of learning what I actually need, only addition is imodium. Brufin strengths are lower now in UK from chemist compaired to 20 years ago when I was at CTC. So if you are ever in France pick up the stronger stuff in bulk.

[@allthisuselessbeauty]

I keep Ladies Maxi pads / towels in my Kit and in The Kit at Work , cheap but effective .

[@johnwyman5939]

Dam good info !! Thanks. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🔪👍👍

[@craigpalmer347]

top tips buddy 👍👍👍

[@gordoncody]

your dog got the water crossing right brother

[@gordoncody]

the container doesn't matter as much as what is in it. as long as it is water proof and durable, newer kits make it easier to find what your looking for though with out have to sort through the whole thing.

[@BushcraftSteely]

Old school is cool school!

[@BushcraftSteely]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 i still carry tampax as an improvised dressing!

[@phillipmerritt1428]

Solan another video that they said the best first aid kit is the one you got with you when you need one and then you should probably always try to carry the tourniquet the galls clotting agents and regular boo boo stuff like mandates and a septic.

[@tonykennedy8592]

I have to keep sharing this story because its stuck in my head. I recently severed an artery in my hand when sharpening my penknife. It was a tiny hole but i couldn't stop the bleeding. I called an ambulance and at first I didn't realize the seriousness of the injury, but when I got to hospital, they took my blood pressure and immediately brought me into ReSus. They needed to use a trauma tourniquet and tie off the artery. I also ended up needing two blood transfusions. I cannot get the f*cking sensation of blood pumping out on my hand, it felt like I was washing my hands in hot water, and it just kept pumping. Thankfully, I was at home when it happened. But if you are going camping please please carry a good first aid kit with haemostatic gauze and a trauma tourniquet (not one of those blue elastic ones thats used to get a vein up). If I had been camping and was only carrying a basic first aid kit with plasters and alcohol wipes etc. I would have been in serious trouble. I'm sure experienced outdoors people know this already, but I'm very new to it and I encourage all newbies to have a trauma tourniquet and haemostatic gauze.

[@duncys]

Tupperware is perfect. SO many products are basically marketing. The only downside is maybe for trauma where you need stuff quickly. SO maybe your trauma pouch and a Tupperware box for bit and bobs. I used to use a Gregson pack which is a bit like the Syfesystems but was semi-clear so you could see the stuff inside which is great if someone else is using your FAK.

[@grahamblackall]

Duct tape works really well Better that medical tape, always sticks! Life saver on 7/7 !

[@jelkel25]

Horses for courses really, my Bahco Laplander is a little more forgiving than your chainsaw but axes and hatchets less so. I used Tupperware in wet environments like Dartmoor and South Wales for first aid kit but I found mylar freezer bags a better option.

[@glennicholl6909]

Good informative video. Do you carry antihistamines such as store bought piriton? As far as I know I have no allergies but a sting or bite in the wrong place could prove nasty. I have given one of my dogs piriton after a bee sting to the nose, worked well. Apologies if you mentioned this in the video.

[@thomasb4164]

Either FFD first field dressing. Or as we know it now ECB emergency care bandage.

[@stevec-b6214]

boots sell `moleskin` - sticky one side, like yours - great for stopping blisters. I have only ever used tupperware - it works (especially with a thick laggy band round it) and as an emergency water carrier/eating bowl. I keep a large hankie in my pocket (put emergency taxi money in it if out on the lash!) ps - join a first aid course!

[@RaynarNslR]

I’m nearly finished with my IFAK. Someone might say what have you got that for? My reply will be:” it’s better to have and not need, than to not have and need” My Israeli bandages are still in the grey wrap, should I take them out of it and leave in the second layer, this is for hygiene purposes? Atb stay safe 👍🦊

[@RaynarNslR]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 thanks 🙏

[@keithorbell8946]

Old school doesn’t mean it’s obsolete, a woolly jumper in many cases is better than a modern fleece.

[@davidparry7006]

Oh Tupperware is old school indeed lol, empty the contents and use the tub with a bit water and potassium permanganate for cleaning cuts grazes.

[@sunnydavies3990]

Is that a t3 or an old emergency (izzy) bandage?

[@winniethepooh2947]

With my ifak, standaard tampons and female hygine pad as excellent wond dressing

[@richardrae5049]

Duct tape was my number one go to,

[@maryhairy1]

If all else fails, tooth paste will stop a bad graze from bleeding by forming a crust of the wound.

[@arlokootz3545]

And your cut will smell minty fresh!

[@danmalone7819]

good info

[@johnnel6290]

Tuperware way I go

[@phuaphua4301]

👍👍👍

[@phuaphua4301]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thanks you, keep smiling 👍stay blessings.

[@Far1988]

I love the IFAKs, thanks for all the insights. Maybe it'd be a great idea to add a bit of Paracetamol into it as well. Now, obviously you've already got Ibuprofen in your kit, but here's the thing: A combination if both of these have a much larger effect than each of them by themselves. The combination helped me through a lumbago and also a root canal infection when the Ibuprofen alone wasn't doing it.

[@Dingleowl1582]

👍

[@stevents1130]

👏👏👍

[@Wayneawebb]

Hidden Valley Bushcraft: "No one carries Tupperware anymore.... Well I do" #needslaxativestogiveashit. Per Mare, Per Terram

[@N7Tigger]

Wait is Goldsmiths a chain or did you get shit faced and climb a tree just down the road from my house in London?

[@peterifaction]

Compression bandage

[@ccmogs5757]

Embarrassing if you"d fallen off that tree in the intro mate , being ex-RM , def. then a deleted scene ! good vid. just sub"d :)