Safety & Protection · 7 min read
IFAK kit guide: what goes in an individual first aid kit and how to carry it
What an IFAK is, the core contents for bleeding control and everyday injuries, how it differs from a household first aid kit, and where to keep one.
By OUTROOM Field Desk · Updated
Key takeaways
- An IFAK (individual first aid kit) focuses on serious bleeding and trauma first, small cuts second.
- The core is a tourniquet, pressure bandage, hemostatic or packing gauze, trauma shears and gloves.
- Keep it where you can reach it with one hand: belt, pack strap, vehicle or job box.
- Gear is only half of it. A Stop the Bleed course takes about two hours and teaches you to use it.
A household first aid kit is built for scrapes and splinters. An IFAK is built for the few minutes after a serious injury, before help arrives: a chainsaw kickback, a fall from a ladder, a car accident on a back road. It is compact, organized and made to open fast.
/ Core IFAK contents
| Item | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Tourniquet | Stopping life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg |
| Pressure (Israeli-style) bandage | Holding pressure on a wound hands-free |
| Packing or hemostatic gauze | Filling deep wounds where a tourniquet cannot go |
| Trauma shears | Cutting clothing, straps and boots away fast |
| Nitrile gloves | Protecting you and the injured person |
| Chest seals | Covering penetrating chest wounds |
| Tape, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes | Everyday cuts and securing dressings |
/ Where to keep an IFAK
- On your belt or pack strap when running a chainsaw, working at height or hiking alone.
- In the vehicle, under the seat or in a door pocket, not buried in the trunk.
- In the job box or shop, next to the tools that can cause the injury.
/ Keep it ready
- 01Check twice a yearReplace anything used, torn or past its date.
- 02Know the layoutOpen it and practice finding each item without looking.
- 03Mark it clearlyA red or cross-marked pouch lets anyone nearby find it.
/ Frequently asked
What does IFAK stand for?+
Individual First Aid Kit: a compact kit carried by one person, focused on treating serious bleeding and trauma.
What is the difference between an IFAK and a first aid kit?+
A regular first aid kit handles minor injuries. An IFAK adds trauma gear such as a tourniquet, pressure bandage and packing gauze.
Should I keep an IFAK in my car?+
Yes. Vehicles are one of the most likely places to need trauma gear. Keep it within reach, not deep in the trunk.