The Complete IFAK Build Guide (What You Actually Need)
The Complete IFAK Build Guide (What You Actually Need)
Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) should be built around your mission and training—not stuffed with random gear.
Core IFAK Components
- A quality tourniquet staged for one‑handed use.
- Pressure dressing for direct pressure.
- Hemostatic or packing gauze as allowed by protocol.
- Gloves and a way to mark time/interventions.
Where Trauma Shears Fit
You can’t treat what you can’t see. Trauma shears belong in or on your IFAK so you can expose injuries, cut away clothing, and trim dressings fast.
Tailoring to Your Role
- Patrol / LE: Vest‑mounted tourniquet, compact IFAK, ONE SHEAR® on duty belt or vest.
- EMS / Fire: On‑person shears plus backups in bags.
- Civilian / EDC: Slim kit with bleeding control and a compact shear option.
Practice Your Layout
Whatever you carry, stage it and run reps: draw your tourniquet and shears from typical positions until it’s automatic.
