The Guide to choose a Reliable Military Survival Kit for Battlefield Casualty Care

Soldiers and tactical personnel are often exposed to injuries from gunfire, shrapnel. The injuries caused by gunshot are threatening life and you need immediate care.

In combat zones, the casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) time is often longer than in civilian scenarios. Based on research data from various military studies and Tactical Combat Casualty Care principles (TCCC) that "90% of combat deaths occur before the casualty reaches definitive care".

According to the TCCC guidelines, care on the battlefield is broken down into 3 phases: Care Under Fire (Hot Zone), Tactical Field Care (Warm Zone), Casualty Evacuation Care (Cold Zone).​ The focus on immediate battlefield care is based on the fact that most combat fatalities result from preventable causes such as severe hemorrhage, airway compromise, and tension pneumothorax, all of which need immediate attention before the casualty can be evacuated to the hospital. That is why having a military survival Kit (individual first aid kit) is crucial to save lives.

But how to choose a reliable Individual First Aid kit? What medical supplies are essential with limited budget? A reliable Military Survival Kit is really crucial to keep soldiers alive. The right medical supplies can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some tips to find suitable military survival kit.

Essential Supplies for Military Survival Kit

Tourniquet:

Essential for stopping life-threatening bleeding from limb injuries. CAT tourniquet from North American Rescue is tested and recommended by TCCC. One of the most trustable tourniquets in the world. If you have massive bleeding, the bleeding should be stopped in 30 seconds, the tourniquet should be ready to use staged so you can apply it immediately to stop the bleed. One tourniquet may not be enough. Click here to know why we need more than one tourniquet.

Vented Chest seal:

For gunshot wound to the chest. A vented chest seal allows air to escape from the wound and prevents air from entering. This is essential in preventing tension pneumothorax. Basically, 2pcs vented chest seals are required, one for the entry wound, another for the exit wound. The most crucial point is to stop the air from entering and evacuate to the hospital.

Choose vented or non-vented chest seal? Click here to know more.

Compressed gauze:

The compressed gauze is designed for packing into deep wounds to control bleeding such as those caused by gunshots. The gauze should be applied with internal pressure directly to bleeding vessels. After the application of the compressed gauze, press the wound till the bleeding stops.

How many compressed gauzes are required in the IFAK kit?

When packing a deep wound with compressed gauze, it's crucial to ensure that the wound cavity is filled to effectively control bleeding. However, one pack of compressed gauze may not be long enough to pack the entire wound. In such cases, two or more compressed gauzes are required to fully pack the wound. When you pack the second compressed gauze, leave part of the first gauze as a "tail" outside the wound. This helps doctors easily locate and remove the gauze during further treatment or surgery. If the wound is packed without this tail, it could be difficult for the doctor to locate and remove the gauze efficiently.

How to choose the correct IFAK kits?

Bleeding Control Kit

A bleeding control kit is suitable for situations when you are likely to return from high risk activities in short time or if you are in an urban environment.

If you're sure that you'll be back within a short period, such as a quick work shift or an urban commute, a basic bleeding control kit provides essential supplies like a tourniquet, trauma dressing, and gauze to manage severe bleeding. An ambulance could come to pick you up shortly.

A basic bleeding control kit includes these medical supplies:

Content list:

• 2 x Tourniquets

• 2 x Compressed Gauze

• 2 x Nitrile Gloves

• 1 x Trauma bandage

2. Standard Individual First Aid Kit

If you are looking for something more comprehensive, you need to choose the Individual First Aid Kit based on MARCH principles (Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia) to provide a well-rounded set of tools for effective casualty care.

Content list:

2 x Tourniquets

1 x Compressed Gauze

2 x Nitrile Gloves

2 x Vented Chest Seals

1 x Trauma bandage

1 x NPA

1 x Survival Blanket

1 x Duct Tape

1 x trauma shears

3. Multiple Medical Kit for multiple wounds

Lastly, if you will be on the real battlefield, you are advised to bring more medical kits. Nowadays, due to the drones are being widely used, casualties have to evacuate at night to avoid drone attack, so casualties need more time to survive and the medical kits should contain medical supplies for multiple wounds.

Content list:

Splint, burning dressing, eye shield, bandages, scissors, Painkillers, Medicine, duct tape, triangular bandage, more extensive tools.

There are many good brands of Individual First Aid Kits like NAR, Combat Medical, etc.

And if you are looking for reliable and affordable Individual first aid kit, you need to make sure they are real tested and reliable in high stress conditions. Any reliable IFAK kits could save lives.

So, no matter what brand you consider for your Individual First Aid Kit, you'll need to make sure all the essential medical supplies are included and are real battlefield tested. The medical supplies are required based on your situation. Nowadays, more medical kits are always a good choice as drones are being widely used on the battlefield; you never know what will happen next. Besides, preparing medical kits is not the only key to saving lives; search and read guidelines or attend TCCC/TECC/Stop the Bleed training to ensure you know how to use your medical kits in emergencies.

Conclusion

Choosing the right military survival kit is a critical decision that can directly impact battlefield survival rates. Remember to select equipment based on your specific mission requirements, expected CASEVAC times, and the potential injuries you might face. Always prioritize quality and reliability over cost when lives are at stake.

For professional advice on selecting the most appropriate battlefield casualty care kits for your unit or organization, contact us at support@tacticalmedicalkit.com. Our team of experts with battlefield experience can help you make informed decisions about the right supplies for your specific needs.

FAQs

How often should military survival kits be inspected?

Military survival kits should be inspected at least monthly, before each deployment, and immediately after any use. Check for damaged packaging, expiration dates, and ensure all components are present and functional.

What's the shelf life of hemostatic agents included in military kits?

Most hemostatic agents have a shelf life of 2-5 years depending on the brand and type. Always check the manufacturer's expiration date and replace expired products immediately.

Can civilian first aid kits substitute for military survival kits?

No, civilian first aid kits typically lack specialized items needed for combat injuries like multiple tourniquets, hemostatic gauze, chest seals, and other tactical medical supplies designed specifically for battlefield trauma.

Should medical training be required before carrying a military survival kit?

Absolutely. Having supplies without proper training can lead to ineffective treatment or further harm. At minimum, users should complete a TCCC or equivalent tactical medical course before deploying with these kits.

How should medical supplies be distributed among team members?

Each team member should carry a personal IFAK, while medics or combat lifesavers should carry additional supplies. Critical items like tourniquets should be standardized across the team and carried in the same location on each person's gear for easy access.