AR makes some good points. His IFAK list is pretty spot on, and what I'd carry if deployed (and essentially all of which is in my trauma kits). Though I'd add a couple extra supplies to start IV locks. Something that can be connected to an IV fluid if needed. The rationale being, it's easier to get a line in someone when they've got more blood in them. 30 minutes of blood loss can seriously diminish your chances for a good line, and most civilian EMS places aren't trained up on using interosseous lines in adults. (Just one more thing the military's been trying lately - better medicine through death)

The CAT and the SOF-T are the ones that the US military uses. Both one-handed and fairly easy to apply. The SOF-T are preferred but apparently harder to find (the metal bar makes it slightly more robust).


Edited by MDinana (11/28/10 04:13 PM)