Author Topic: Planning Your IFAK  (Read 1270 times)

Offline mechmedic

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Planning Your IFAK
« on: June 10, 2019, 11:08:41 PM »
https://www.crisis-medicine.com/planning-your-ifak/?mc_cid=e51d8373c3&mc_eid=a746dd2467

Very interesting article on setting up an IFAK. This is the second time I have come across people saying chest seals might not be as useful as we once thought. I have yet to find studies though.
The only thing I disagree with is his pouch choice. Gear is never permanent and most has a shelf life.
My ankle kit might be needing replacement soon. But for a pouch to need to be replaced as often as he is suggesting, that is not acceptable. Especially when you might not be able to reorder something from amazon.

Offline JohnyMac

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Re: Planning Your IFAK
« Reply #1 on: June 11, 2019, 08:37:12 AM »
Interesting article mechmedic. Thanks for posting it. :thumbsUp:
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Offline patriotman

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Re: Planning Your IFAK
« Reply #2 on: June 11, 2019, 10:50:21 AM »
I mean even if it isn't as effective, I imagine that it is better than nothing.

I also agree with your point about the bag. I would buy a very high quality IFAK pouch so it lasts.
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

Psalm 144:1-2

Offline mechmedic

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Re: Planning Your IFAK
« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2019, 01:59:51 PM »
As to the chest seal thing. Some of the info is potentially indicating that open chest wounds aren’t that bad. Remember, it takes a hole 2/3-3/4 the size of the trachea to cause tension pneumothorax. I’ll have to go see if I can’t find studies on it. Our goal is to stabilize patients for transport.
Actual treatment is WAY different than what we would do.

Offline patriotman

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Re: Planning Your IFAK
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2019, 02:50:01 PM »
I see. But I would think that throwing it on can't necessarily hurt. Unless it has some harmful effect, that is. It may drop lower on my priority list but I would.probably still do it.
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

Psalm 144:1-2

Offline mechmedic

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Re: Planning Your IFAK
« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2019, 06:11:59 PM »
As soon as I find more information I’ll post it up. I’m not changing my kits yet.

Offline patriotman

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Re: Planning Your IFAK
« Reply #6 on: June 11, 2019, 10:27:37 PM »
Roger that Doc!
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

Psalm 144:1-2

Offline SemperParatus

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Re: Planning Your IFAK
« Reply #7 on: June 12, 2019, 06:40:35 AM »
In my carrier I have treated several penetrating chest wounds from knives and hand gun rounds.  None of these resulted in a true tension pneumothorax.  None of the gun shot wounds to the chest were through and through with an entrance and exit wound except for one.  The "lucky" gang banger was hit in the right front of the chest with a 45 acp at close range and the bullet penetrated the skin and followed the rib cage exiting around the back side approximately 10" from the entrance wound. I assumed that this was most likely a FMJ round although the projectile was not found. He suffered a broken rib but no penetration into the plural cavity.  Our protocol was that any penetrating injury from the clavicle to the diaphram was to be sealed and the patient monitored for signs of a developing peumothorax.  Chest wounds from a rifle round wound be a different story with a bullet diameter entrance wound and a larger exit wound depending on bullet caliber, speed and design.  I only carry chest seals in a combat medic bag, my IFAKs carry two oclusive dressings for penetrating chest wounds as well as wound packing material and pressure dressings, TK, nasal airways with lube pack and a triangular bandage.
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Offline mechmedic

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Re: Planning Your IFAK
« Reply #8 on: June 12, 2019, 11:24:11 AM »
Tension pneumothorax is one of the three preventable causes of death on the battlefield, but it is very rare. And it takes a long while for it to occur. In a Partisan environment and especially if prolonged field care came into play I would have to watch for signs/symptoms and potentially insert a chest tube. I also agree with cravats being a part of an IFAK. They are fairly cheap and so multipurpose it isn’t funny. I would stay away from civilian EMS versions however. They don’t work well as an improvised TQ.