Wilderness Individual First-Aid Kit
Here is an example of a Wilderness IFAK (Individual First-Aid Kit).
Wilderness IFAK
This is the minimum of what you would need in the wilderness. It has just enough supplies to stabilize a major wound and treat less severe injuries.
This kit was designed for the minimalist outdoorsman who has completed advanced wilderness medial training. It is compact and light, but requires knowledge on how to improvise bandages and close wounds in the wilderness.
Depending on your adventure, where you are going and who is going with you, you can easily augment this kit with other supplies and medications.
Wilderness IFAK Contents
1 Quart Freezer Bag
More durable than a regular Zip-Loc bag
Lighter and less expensive than a fancier bag
Many uses:
Occlusive dressing for open chest wounds
Waterproof dressings
Hold/protect amputated body parts or teeth
Poke/cut small hole in corner and use for irrigation
Trash bag for blood soaked stuff
Collect vomit or plants for tox screen
Hold ice/snow
Makeshift glove when handing icky stuff
Rolled or Folded Sterile Gauze (1 or 2)
Rolled or folded gauze can be used to:
Pack deep wounds
Used as a bandage to wrap wounds
Dress large wounds
Dress smaller wounds if you cut it up
Shown: Compressed NAR S-Rolled Gauze
This takes up minimal space, which is a nice feature
Wound Closure Kit with Band-Aids
Used for closing wounds
Band-Aids stored here to better organize kit
Tape (roll or flat sheets)
Used to hold on dressings and has SO MANY other uses
Shown: NAR Mini Duct Tape
100" of 2" wide rolled duct tape
Latex-free
Used by US Military to reinforces bandages and for improvisation
Other medical and industrial grade tapes are also suitable
Wilderness Expedition First Aid Notes
Field notes on common wilderness challenges
Wilderness Expedition First Aid Field Notes
Intended for use by Wilderness First Aid graduates
Wilderness Expedition Medical Provider Field Notes
Intended for use by Medical Providers
Wound Closure Kit Contents
Used to close wounds in the field.
Small Snack bag to keep things organized
Wound Closure Strips (1-2 packs)
Shown: 12mm x 100mm Steri-Strip 6 packs
The 12mm strips are great for most wounds
Strips can be cut in half for most uses
Tincture of Benzoin Vials (1-2)
Used to enhance adhesion of Steri-Strips
Dermabond (1-2 Optional)
Medical grade wound closure adhesive
Waterproofs and seals wounds
Allows for fast closure of small lacerations and incisions
Band-aids
These are handy
Kept here to organize larger kit
Fancy Upgraded IFAK Pouch
This 5x8" Dyneema pouch holds everything nicely. It is a bit more durable than a freezer bag, is lighter than just about any other commercial bag and is honestly not necessary. That said, it's still pretty cool.
