Tiny first-aid kits for EDC and Bags

Being caught without band-aids on a short trip, I'm looking more at small, portable first aid kits.

.5 oz fak

I might use this as a basis for building an envelope sized kit.

Another option would be the First Aid Wallet (no affiliation).

Jeanette Isabelle

if you DIY...you can reduce the volume and waterproof ..use a vacuum food sealer...make small "v" cuts at the corners to help open the pack...

I switch between an AMK Field Kit and .5 Ultralite kit, depending on the size of group I'm with and what we're doing.

The Field Kit (I don't see it on their site anymore. They've got a Field Trauma Kit which looks bigger) is a great small-sized pocket kit. I've refilled mine with a variety of bandaids, steri-srtips, prep pads, polysporin, some gauze pads, a thin maxi pad and a fauxton.

I carry what i call an urban personal first aid kit or UPFAK everywhere, all the time. Of necessity it is basic stuff and small enough to share a pants pocket with my wallet or keys and cell phone. Its twin is my urban personal survival kit or UPSK.

That's exactly how I do it. Vacuum sealing is very handy for many items. I like to seal 1st aid stuff but also survival gear. Since I rely on a firesteel quite a bit for fire making I like to keep some really good reliable tinder vacuum sealed in case things are very wet. My packs vary; some contain a bit of fatwood, some contain Tinder-Qwik. PJ cotton balls are a favorite tinder of mine. I've also sealed some Weber cubes, too.

Sealing dressings and bandages is a good idea, but just make sure to seal a little zip lock baggie for the extras. Once you break the seal you need something to carry the stuff that you didn't use.

Hmm... that's what I use in my day hikes. I never really EDC a FAK (apart from currently). But, I supplement mine with a trauma bandage and a couple other odds and ends that swell that little bag to its limit.

I've been using heavy duty vinyl bags - Actually make-up bags from Target

I have carried bandaids in my wallet for years. Percentagewise, that handles the vast majority of situations. Most of the time, I carry a small first aid kit that has been repacked to emphasize medium to large sterile dressings, tape, and elastic bandages. If I am going to be around large groups, I like to be sure I have a CPR kit (gloves and mouthpiece).

an idea from another forum for minimalist FAK....individually wrapped on a cards

4' of roll gauze
4' adhesive tape
4' duct tape

from which you could make steri strips, bandages of most any size, and with the duct tape.. slings, foot blister protection, tourniquet

I suggested an upgrade....
4' Kerlix roll gauze...vacuum sealed to reduce volume
4' Coban self adhering elastic wrap
4' duct tape

with the Kerlix you had better blood stoppage, and the Coban you had additionally an elastic wrap for sprains

BTW - My minium is band-aids, gloves and advil.

My *primary* EDC FAK (this one is on my person, the other is in my bag):

pics:
http://navitsky.org/kit/minimal-fak/

- 4x6 trauma bandage
- chest seal
- bloodstop gauss
- small roll duct tape
- nitrite gloves
- 3x4 non stick pads
- steri strips
- burn jel
- triple antibiotic ointment
- aspirin
- benadryl
- honey packets
- alcohol swabs

Oh yah, a couple of band-aids. ;-)

I guess we have a bit different idea what "minimalist" means. :-D

-john

It is always nice to have some tape and sterile dressings around, but far more important is the knowledge and skill of those attending to the injury and dealing with the situation.