First Aid vs Trauma kits for your vehicle

I would like to start by saying that I am a medical professional and as such I was greatly attracted to the idea of having a first aid kit easily mounted to the head rest of my vehicle. The idea was first introduced to me at the Equipt Overland Expedition store in Salt Lake City. It was at Equipt where I first saw their Individual First Aid Trauma Kit (IFATK) mounted to a vehicle head rest in their display room. The IFATK is a premium first aid trauma pack designed for trained professionals and the IFAK is a first aid kit minus the extensive wound trauma specific materials. If you are just getting started and have no emergency response background then I highly suggest going with the IFAK. I will share with you the different available options on the market right now and a few tips and places to buy your supplies.

Here are the products that I will review

Carrliben

MyMedic

Infityle Medical Pouch (This is the one I purchased and used)

I.C.E. IFAK

Outdoor Limits IFAK

XO A360 Vehicle Trauma Kit

M.A.T KIT TRAUMA POUCH

Ultimate Arm Pouch

Lets get one thing out of the way Clotting granules and Celox or QuickClot products are intended to be used responsibly! When attempting to purchase this item online I was prompted to attest that I was a trained medical professional with the authority and training to use the product. Several web sites selling pre assembled IFATK also included warnings that their kits include items to be used by trained professionals. However on the manufacturing web site for Celox it says that anyone can use their products. My suggestion is to steer clear of the powder or granular formulas as the potential for a wind gust blowing it into you eyes is high. Additionally many of these products are expensive with a 3 year shelf life.

Out of all of my emergency experiences that I have been through the MOST IMPORTANT piece of equipment anyone can ever own is a CPR mask. Have CPR key chains, have them in your glove box, tie it to your head rest but have them everywhere.

If you do nothing else I highly recommend that everyone at least stock up on CPR face shields and be certified in CPR either through your community college or local American Heart Association!!

I have ordered three new CPR masks and key chain face shields to have one in each vehicle, on each set of keys, and in my IFATK. I wanted to customize my kit with materials that I know how to use and would feel comfortable using in an emergency and that I could easily teach my husband, who is a non-medical professional, how to use. I plan to further develop my emergency response skills and wanted a kit that could grow and expand with me.

For Non-Medical Professionals

You might be thinking that you can save money by making your own DIY first aid kit and as long as you have most of the materials in your house already then you can easily make your own kit. However if you don’t have a majority of the supplies then its cheaper to buy the assembled kits.

*If you need a DIY kit for hiking or backpacking please check out Gear List, Backpacking First Aid Kit for Soloists and Groups.****

The assembled IFAK basic packs are more than enough to suit anyone and are suited to the untrained skill level and usage needs. No one should be buying the premium packages if you are not trained to use the supplies within the packs. Being certified and trained does not mean watching a YouTube video and it does involve hands on practice so that when the time comes to use the contents of your kit you can jump into action. So sign up for a BLS and wilderness emergency response training at your local community college or American Red Cross.

TIPS

#1. ******The national Intravenous Nurses Association advises not to leave coban AKA vet wrap directly on the skin for longer than 15 minutes or damage will result due to blood flow restriction******

#2. DO NOT USE hydrogen peroxide in your first aid kits or at home to clean wounds. Use Normal Saline 0.9% on an open wound to prevent killing the necessary good bacteria and to clean out the wound to prevent infection.

#3. Wash your hands before and after going to the bathroom by SCRUBBING your hands and singing the alphabet to yourself in French/German/Spanish TWICE!!!

# 4. Purchase individual first aid items such as gauze pads from your local medical supply store. For me this was A-1 Medical not Wallgreens. Medical supply stores will carry a wide range of individually packaged items vs buying the bulk package items at your pharmacies

To save time I want to share the more popular brands on the market right now for pre made car kits that range in price from $32.99 to $199.00.

After pricing materials I discovered that I could make my own IFATK for aroun $170 because I already own most of the supplies.

IFAK vs. IFATK

#1 Top choice quality BASIC First Aid Kit pouch for non medical professionals is the Condor for its great quality build but it is on the smaller side.

#1 pre packaged first aid kit is the MyMedic

My medic operates out of Saltlake City and offers 20% discounts, free shipping, and life time warranty. HOWEVER they did miss represent their bags as 4″ thick and in reality they are 2.5″ thick.

Your basic IFAK is designed to treat non life threatening minor scrapes and injuries and include items that require no training when used.

The trauma kits are designed to treat life threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention and are to be used by trained persons ONLY. The trauma specific supplies include blood clotting gauze, nasopharyngeal airway, wound packing materials, a tourniquet, and some times suture supplies. The lack of these higher professional products is what is going to keep the cost down for your IFAK. See my DIY IFAK tutorial.

Here are some great packs I came across for those interested

1. Carlebben Rip-away EMT Pouch IFAK $32.99 + First Aid Supplies

I wasn’t able to get my hands from a local distributor so I can’t attest to the quality. For the price this is the most affordable entry level IFAK that will allow you to grow and change out materials over the years. The bag measures in at 8in. x 7in. x 3.5in. which is just a tad larger than the average 8″ x 6″ x 3″ bags. There aren’t any advanced trauma supplies in this pack and that is what helps keep the cost affordable.

2. My Medic Basic Kit + Supplies $99.00
(Life time warranty, Free Shipping for everyone, and Medical professional, boy scouts, and first respondents receive lifetime 20% off purchases)

Bag only (no supplies) $29.99

2.5″ x 7.75″ x 6.75″

This item arrived today and it was horribly smaller than advertised. It is listd at 4″ thick but at its best I was only able to measure barely 2.5″. This pack is very well made and high quality but I would buy the Condor over this for the ease of customer service and it is a slightly higher quality product.

I didn’t understand why there was a Velcro patch on the top strap. It was irritating and would catch on things while open.

[2] Curad® Performance Series Antibacterial Fingertip Bandage | 1.75 in. x 2 in.
[2] Curad® Performance Series Antibacterial Knee & Elbow Bandage | 3 in. x 3 in.
[4] Curad® Performance Series Antibacterial Bandages | 1 in. x 3.25 in.

[2] Burn Jel®

[1] CPR Shield

[1] Acti-Splint | Finger
[1] Triangular Bandage | Woven
[1] Elastic Bandage | Velcro | 2 in. x 5 ft.

[1] Survival Rescue Blanket
[1] Rescue Whistle

Premium kits for trained and certified professionals

The packs below contain trauma supplies that are meant to be used by trained and certified individuals.

Trauma kits

I.C.E. IFAK $82.99

CONTENTS

1x NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T), Gen 7
1x Flat Fold NAR ETD 4″
1x Nasopharyngeal Airway (28Fr) w/ Lube
2x Compressed Gauze
2x Pair Bear Claw Nitrile Gloves
1x Vented Compact Chest Seals (2 pack)

Dimensions: 6″ W x 7″ H x 4.5″ D
Weight: 1 lb 7 oz

I.C.E. IFAK 2 $79.00
CONTENTS
1x NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T), Gen 7
1x Flat Fold Elastic Bandage (3″)
1x Nasopharyngeal Airway (28Fr) w/ Lube
1x Triangular Bandage (40″ x 40″ x 54″) w/ 2 Safety Pins
2x Compressed Gauze
2x Pair Nitrile Gloves
1x Vented Compact Chest Seals (2 pack)
1x Survival Rescue Blanket
Dimensions: 6″ W x 7″ H x 4.5″ D
Weight: 1 lb 7 oz

XO A360 Vehicle Trauma Kit $199.00 (4 YEAR expiration of materials)

CONTENTS

1x – Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet (RMT) 1.5″ – Tactical
1x – CELOX Rapid Hemostatic Z-Fold Gauze 5′ When attempting to purchase this item online I was prompted to attest that I was a trained medical professional with the authority and training to use the product. Several web sites also included warnings that their kits include items to be used by trained professionals.
1x – 4″ Emergency Bandage “Israeli Bandage”
1x – Nasopharyngeal airway 28Fr w/ lubricant
1x – FASTBreathe Thoracic Seal (FTS) – Vented
1x – FAST Combat Wound Seal (CWS)6
1x – Compressed sterile gauze 4″x4yds
2x – Telfa non-adherent pad 3″x6″
1x – Emergency Mylar Blanket
1x – Band-aid pack – (assorted)
1x – Surgical cloth tape 1″ x 10 yards
1x – HD Nitrile gloves (Pair) XL
1x – Activity Trauma shears 5″
1x – Casualty/Treatment Card

My Medic Premium IFAK 2.5″ x 7.75″ x 6.75″
Follow this link to get it for $169.00
If you are a medical professional buy it direct and receive a 20% discount on all orders.
[1] R.A.T.S. Tourniquet® | Rapid Application Tourniquet System®
[2] Liquid Skin® | 5 gram
[1] Emergency Israeli Bandage | 4 in.
[1] Gauze Roll | 3 in. x 12.3 ft.
[4] Gauze Pad | 2 in. x 2 in.
[4] Gauze Pad | 4 in. x 4 in.
[4] Non-Adherent Gauze | Telfa | 3 in. x 4 in.
[3] Secure Strips | 0.25 in. x 3 in.
[2] Curad® Performance Series Antibacterial Bandage | 2 in. x 4 in.
[2] Curad® Performance Series Antibacterial Knuckle Bandage | 1.5 in. x 3 in.
[2] Curad® Performance Series Antibacterial Fingertip Bandage | 1.75 in. x 2 in.
[2] Curad® Performance Series Antibacterial Knee & Elbow Bandage | 3 in. x 3 in.
[4] Curad® Performance Series Antibacterial Bandages | 1 in. x 3.25 in.
[2] Burn Jel®
[1] WaterJel Burn Dressing | 4 in. x 4 in.
[1] CPR Shield
[1] Fox Seal | Chest Seal
[1] Nasal Airway + Lube | 28 French

[1] Acti-Splint | Finger
[1] Triangular Bandage | Woven
[1] Elastic Bandage | Velcro | 2 in. x 5 ft.

[2] Endurolytes Fizz Tablets

[1] Survival Rescue Blanket
[1] Rescue Whistle
[1] Lightstick
[1] Atwood 550 Paracord | 7 Strand | 20 ft.

5. The Outer Limits Supply IFAK

This wins the prize of being one of the best kits on the market for the price of $175.00. It comes with its own moldable splint which is lacking from the My Medic IFAK and overall it just has a lot more content within the packaging. I like that it comes with a more user friendly tourniquet and the EMT pull away pouch has two extra securing straps and I will tell you below how they did it and you can do it to for your DIY IFAK.

Description

IFAK:

Looking for a small kit with a big impact? Look no further! This kit makes a great addition to any adventure. Mount it to a flat surface, roll cage, seat back, backpack, or just about anywhere you can think. Kit comes fully stocked with the Molle attachment system, a SOF® Tactical Tourniquet-Wide, and a 24″ moldable splint.

Dressings:

(1) 1″ X 5 Yards Adhesive Tape
(1) BurnAid® 4″ x 4″ Burn Dressing
(1) OLAES Modular Bandage
(3) 2″ X 2″ Gauze Pads
(3) 3″ Rolled Gauze
(2) 4″ Rolled Gauze
(3) 3″ X 3″ Gauze Pads
(3) 4″ X 4″ Gauze Pads
(1) 5″ X 9″ Abdominal Pad
(5) 1″ X 3″ Woven Elastic Patch Bandages
(5) 2″ X 3″ Elastic Patch Bandages
(5) Elastic Knuckle Bandages
(5) Finger Wraps XL
(5) XL Elastic Fingertip Bandages
(20) Butterfly Closures
(1) Eye Pads (1 Pair)

Tools:

(1) SOF® Tactical Tourniquet-Wide
(1) Moldable Splint
(1) Esmark PSI Dressing
(6) Antiseptic Wipes
(3) Hand Sanitizer
(10) Antibiotic Ointment Packets
(10) Anti-itch Hydrocortisone Cream Packets
(4) Sooth a Sting Swabs
(2) Sunscreen
(1) Basic First Aid Booklet
(1) Emergency Survival Blanket
(2) Pair Nitrile Exam Gloves
(1) Triangle Bandage
(1) Whistle
(1) Trauma Shears
(1) Tweezers
(1) CPR Shield

Medications:

(2) Aspirin (Chest Pain)
(1) Glucose Tube (Low Blood Sugar)
(2) Cetafen Extra Strength (Non-Aspirin)
(2) Diotame (Diarrhea)
(2) Exaprin (Pain Relief)
(2) Histaprin (Allergic Reaction)
(2) Ibuprofen (Pain Relief)
(2) Medi Lyte (Dehydration)
(2) Medi Meclizine (Motion Sickness)

Here are a Few Affordable DIY IFAK Bag Car Head Rest Mounting Options. That are completely DIY no first aid supplies included.

1. M.A.T KIT TRAUMA POUCH (EMPTY) 13.95

I don’t personally care for this style because it has an open bag two pocket limited organization.

HEADREST MOUNT FOR TRAUMA POUCH/M.A.T KIT $15.00

Money Saving Head Rest system $29.00

2. Ultimate Arms Deal $31.00!

I found the Ultimate Arms Gear MOLLE Ambidextrous Drop Leg Platform + Rip-Away EMT Medical First Aid Pouch with Buckle Strap and Velcro Attachment that coincidently appears to be the exact replica of the Outer Limits Supply IFAK mounting system. This system is $31.00 which makes it at the mid-range of the general price of these bags. I like this style set up because it gives you extra attaching harness points to either mount to your vehicle (ATV, motorcycle, etc..) or to attach to the bag directly for those bumpy off reading trips.

3. Condor IFAK $21.25

I had a chance to get my hands on a local distributor and this pack is amazing quality above average and it wont disappoint you.

The condor IFAK pack is reported to measure 8x7x3.5

I liked that the feel, quality, and craftsmanship that went into making the condor pouch. I would have purchased this pouch over all others had it only been a larger size. The condor pockets have four interior corner attaching loop points for tape, scissors, or whatever you want to attach. This feature was missing from most of the other bags. The zippers are the best I have seen on any first aid pouch with what appears to be weather and dust protection.

Image result for condor emt pouch

Related image — Condor Rip Away Pouch (C)

I did notice a discrepancy between the pictures and the Condor pouch I saw in person. The orientation of the middle pocket seems to be reversed in pictures A and C.

4. Infityle IFAK pack measures 7.83″ x 7.83″ x 3.5″ $17.59

After testing out other packs I stuck with this one for its ample size.

The Good: This bag is decent for anyone looking for a slightly larger IFAK carrying pouch. It comes with a free patch and scissors.

The Bad: The included free items are poorly executed and cheaply made and are low quality items that give the pouch a cheap feel. The zippers aren’t weather protected like the Condor pouch and the back Velcro pull away seemed loose and cheaply made compared to the Condor.

Image result for infityle emt pouch

The Ugly: Within the first 24 hours one of the interior securing straps broke loose.

1 comment on “First Aid vs Trauma kits for your vehicle”

furtdsolinopv says:

February 17, 2018 at 4:22 pm

I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers