IFAK Checklist 2025: What to Pack, How to Carry It, and How to Keep It Ready (FlareSyn Field Guide)
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Temps de lecture 5 min
TL;DR
An IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) is a compact trauma kit designed to control massive bleeding, maintain airway, treat chest wounds, support circulation, and prevent hypothermia—prioritized with the MARCH sequence. A practical 2025 kit should include: a quality tourniquet, compressed/hemostatic gauze, an elastic/pressure bandage, vented chest seals (pair), an NPA with lube, nitrile gloves, trauma shears, and a thermal blanket. Pack for immediate access, check expiry/adhesives regularly, and train on the gear you carry.
What is an IFAK—and why you should carry one:
IFAK = Individual First Aid Kit. It’s a personal trauma kit built for the first minutes after a serious injury, when controlling hemorrhage and managing airway/respiration makes the difference. For responders, range users, outdoor professionals, and anyone building practical preparedness, an IFAK is the “can use right now” kit—small enough to carry, robust enough to stop major bleeding and manage chest injuries until handoff to EMS.
Training disclaimer: This guide supports equipment selection and organization. It does not replace medical training. Whenever possible, take a Stop the Bleed/TCCC/TECC-aligned course and follow local laws and protocols.
Table of Content
Introduction The 2025 IFAK Core (organized by the MARCH algorithm) M — Massive hemorrhage A — Airway R — Respiration (chest trauma) C — Circulation (and secondary bleeding) H — Hypothermia/Head injury Strong add-ons (small, high value) Loadouts by use case How to pack your IFAK for speed (seconds matter) Maintenance & replacement schedule Common mistakes to avoid FAQ
The 2025 IFAK Core (organized by the MARCH algorithm)
M — Massive hemorrhage
- Tactical tourniquet (1–2) that allows fast, one-handed application and holds pressure without slippage.
- Compressed or hemostatic gauze for wound packing.
- Pressure/elastic bandage to maintain effective compression over the pack.
A — Airway
NPA (nasopharyngeal airway), typically 28F, with lubricant. Use requires training and appropriate patient selection.
R — Respiration (chest trauma)
Vented chest seals (pair) to manage open chest wounds (inlet/outlet). Vented designs are broadly useful across real-world scenarios.
C — Circulation (and secondary bleeding)
- Extra gauze and bandaging to address oozing and secondary control.
- Tape/marker to secure dressings and document time on tourniquet.
H — Hypothermia/Head injury
- Emergency thermal blanket to help prevent trauma-induced hypothermia.
- Nitrile gloves for body substance isolation.
- Trauma shears to expose wounds quickly and safely.
Strong add-ons (small, high value)
mini light/chemlight, face shield, saline wipes, and a sharpie.
Loadouts by use case
EDC / Personal carry (minimal, fast)
1× tourniquet (externally mounted for one-grab access), 1× compressed/hemostatic gauze, 1× pressure/elastic bandage, 1× nitrile gloves, small tape card, mini light. Focus on immediate bleed control and seconds-to-use access.
Vehicle / Fixed post (capacity + refill)
2× tourniquets + spare gauze and bandaging, 2× vented chest seals, 1× NPA + lube, 1–2× thermal blankets, trauma shears, tape/marker. Mount the kit in a visible, reachable location; consider heat exposure on adhesives (summer vehicles).
Range / Training day (multi-casualty awareness)
Multiple “bleed bundles” (TQ + gauze + pressure bandage), 2–4× vented chest seal pairs, 2× NPAs. Clear labeling for training vs. live components (avoid mixing practice items into your real kit).
Duty / Deployment (standardized and compatible)
MOLLE + hook/loop compatible pouching for plate carriers/belts, red pull tabs, tear-away design, logical front-to-back layout. Align with unit SOP for consistent placement and muscle memory.
FlareSyn kit tiers: Standard vs Pro (how to choose)
Standard IFAK (compact life-saving core)
Tourniquet, compressed/hemostatic gauze, pressure/elastic bandage, vented chest seals (pair), thermal blanket, nitrile gloves, basic tools. Ideal for EDC, glovebox, or first build.
Pro IFAK (expanded capacity & depth)
Everything in Standard plus extra gauze, additional bandaging, NPA + lube, and more support items. Better for range officers, instructors, duty users, or anyone supporting more than one casualty.
Quick choice rule
If your primary use is self-aid and space matters—start Standard. If you may treat others or run events/training, go Pro.
How to pack your IFAK for speed (seconds matter)
- Stage to your dominant hand. If right-handed, the pull tab and the tourniquet’s windlass should be oriented for the right hand.
- Front layer = bleeding control. Your TQ and gauze live at the very front; no zippers to unzip after the first tear-open motion.
- Middle layer = chest & airway. Vented chest seals (kept flat, foil protected), NPA with lube packet, and tape/marker.
- Back layer = support. Thermal blanket, extra gauze, shears.
- External mount for the TQ. Fast draw beats perfect packing. Train re-stowing until it’s automatic.
- Label everything. Color-coded tabs, transparent mesh, or printed dividers; night checks with a headlamp.
- Tear-away + MOLLE/Velcro. A removable rig lets you bring the kit to the casualty without unthreading belts or fighting your carrier.
Shop the kits:
Maintenance & replacement schedule
- Adhesive-sensitive items (chest seals): heat and dust reduce stickiness. Vehicle kits need more frequent checks (e.g., monthly in hot climates).
- Expiry & packaging: track expiration on NPA, lube, dressings; replace punctured or compromised packaging immediately.
- Training vs live gear: clearly mark practice items; never let training gear “drift” into your real kit.
- Quarterly drills: practice the entire access-apply sequence with gloves, in low light, and under time pressure.
- After use: restock via a refill pack to restore the kit to known-good state fast (/collections/ifak-refills).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Carrying but not training. Gear ≠ capability. Take a class; practice with your exact pouch and layout.
- Burying the tourniquet. If it’s not reachable in seconds with either hand, it’s not ready.
- Buying everything but the basics. A quality TQ + gauze + pressure bandage stops the most immediate threats.
- Ignoring hypothermia. Add a thermal blanket; shock and exposure degrade outcomes quickly.
- Mixing practice and live stock. Keep them separate and labeled.
If you want to buy Tactical first aid kits for beginners, you can check out more on our store
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should be in a 2025 IFAK?
A: Tourniquet (1–2), compressed/hemostatic gauze, pressure/elastic bandage, vented chest seals (pair), NPA + lube, gloves, shears, tape/marker, and a thermal blanket.
Q: Vented vs non-vented chest seals?
A: Vented chest seals offer broad compatibility for open chest injuries and are a strong default choice for most users.
Q: Do I need an NPA?
A: It’s highly useful, but you must be trained and follow local protocols. Size 28F is common; training will cover assessment and technique.
Q: Standard or Pro?
A: Choose Standard for compact self-aid. Choose Pro for multi-casualty support, classes, or duty use.
Q: How often should I replace items?
A: Check monthly if stored in heat (vehicle). Replace at expiration or if packaging is compromised, especially chest seals and lubricants.
