Police officers carry individual first-aid kits, or an IFAK, on patrol with them out of necessity. But it is a good idea for civilians to have their own kit handy.
5 First-Aid Kits for Emergencies
A basic IFAK will have the tools needed to temporarily treat trauma from gunshot wounds, stabbings and other injuries until EMS can arrive. Depending on your need, an IFAK can contain a tourniquet, a hemostatic agent like QuikClot, an Israeli bandage, folded or rolled gauze and chest seals.
Here are some medical tools and carry options you should consider. These might save your life someday.
Law Enforcement Medical Module (LEMM) Patrol
Specifically designed for patrol officers, the Law Enforcement Medical Module (LEMM) Patrol first-aid kit contains basic medical gear to help an officer provide self-aid or buddy-aid until medics can arrive. The LEMM-Patrol kit includes a SWAT-T tourniquet, QuikClot, a Thin-H bandage and more. The kit measures 3.5x5x2 inches, making it small enough to carry in a cargo pocket or small pouch.
High Speed Gear M3T (Multi-Mission Medical TACO)
The High Speed Gear M3T (Multi-Mission Medical TACO), inspired by NOLATAC. Available in a variety of colors and camo patterns, the M3T protects your medical supplies while still keeping them accessible by one hand only. These medical pouches mount to patrol officers duty belt, response vest, SWAT officer’s tactical vest, or leg rig.
Viper Flat Individual First-Aid Kit
The Viper Flat Individual First-Aid Kit comprises a low-profile IFAK pouch, created for ease movement through confined spaces. The size also aids getting in and out of vehicles. The Viper carries on the lower part of the rear of your plate carrier or tactical vest. The design keeps it out of the way. But it still keeps gear immediately at the ready, accessed with one hand via a pull-tab located on both side of the pouch. The Viper comes in a variety of colors.
Tacprogear Individual Trauma Bags
Fully customizable, the Individual Trauma Bags from Tacprogear are made to order for departments who need a kit outfitted to their specifications. The bags use YKK zippers and are double stitched with reinforced edging for incredible durability. Interior elastic holds components in place while the MOLLE-compatible attachments allow the kit to securely mount to a plate carrier. Departments can choose from a variety of colors, including Black, MultiCam, OD Green and Coyote Tan.
Tactical Medical Solutions Uniformed Medical Kit
Finding a place to carry medical gear can be a challenge for the uniformed patrol officer. The Uniformed Medical Kit from Tactical Medical Solutions is a panel that attaches the hook-and-loop cummerbund portion on concealable body armor. The panel securely holds an included SOF-T tourniquet plus has additional pockets for other gear. The tourniquet is easily accessible for self-care yet maintains a professional appearance.
For an even more complete guide on First-Aid Kits, see Duty Ready: 11 Lifesaving First-Aid Kits, on Tactical-Life.com.
For more information on the kits listed above, please visit the following websites:
- Chinook Medical Gear LEMM-Patrol Kit: chinookmed.com; 800-766-1365
- High Speed Gear M3T: highspeedgear.com; 877-301-2116
- S.O.Tech Viper Flat Individual First-Aid Kit: sotechtactical.com; 800-615-9007
- TacProGear Individual Trauma Bag: tacprogear.com; 561-865-7279
- Tactical Medical Solutions Uniformed Medical Kit: tacmedsolutions.com; 888-822-6331
