You might not use it as much as you use your knife, but I’ll bet you’ll use it more than you ever use your gun.
Medical gear of some kind is a must-have for everyday carry. Using a gun defensively is a rather rare event, and thankfully so.
I want you to lean back, puff a cigar, and think about how many times you could have used a medical kit in your everyday life and then compare it to your use of your EDC handgun.
I bet most people have been in more situations in which medical gear and some basic medical training would have been more valuable than a firearm and firearm training.
That’s not to say you don’t need to carry a gun; you don’t have to choose between carrying a gun and carrying some medical gear.
Carry both.
I’m simply trying to assert the importance of carrying medical gear and obtaining medical training.
But what if you want to build your own kit. What supplies do you need? Keep reading…
Tourniquet
Specifically a tourniquet with a windlass that has been approved by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
This list is small but, luckily, bigger than ever. I prefer the CAT Gen 7 because I’m well trained on it; they are common and easy to find, as are carriers designed for them.
Hemostatic Gauze
Hemostatic agents are designed to help your blood clot faster. Hemostatic gauze, in general, is invaluable and affordable and is more effective than regular gauze.
Big Band-Aids
A lot of memes are made calling the idea of band-aids silly in a medical kit.
They are ultra-small, and light, and they squeeze anywhere. They’ve also been super valuable to me for small extremity wounds.
Compression Bandages
Compression bandages hold everything in once it’s packed properly. Elastic bandages rolled tightly as excellent companions to your EDC kit.
A second option, and one worth considering also, is something like an Israeli Bandage Battle Dressing. This is effectively a compression bandage and a trauma pad in one, combined with a plastic clip to increase direction pressure on the wound.
Chest Seals
Just assume it’s a sucking chest wound if it’s in the upper torso and apply a seal.
Gloves
Stay sterile, and tightly press some simple nitrile gloves into a small package and shove it in.
Optional Gear
Regular Gauze
Simple, regular gauze can be perfect when you don’t need hemostatic and can be a friendly helper to hemostatic gauze to fill a wound cavity.
Medical Tape
Great for bandaging deep cuts and lacerations that don’t require gauze or a hemostatic agent
Super Small Flashlight
handy device should you need to use your kit at night and need to see what you’re doing. Better than your normal flashlight because it can be easily held in your mouth as you work.
A good EDC medical kit makes the fine line behind life and death a little thicker. It can be literally invaluable to have and should be a major consideration for any prepared person.
If you’re not sold on carrying one daily, consider tossing it in your vehicle and at least having it close at hand.
MyMedic Mini IFAK
The MyFAK Mini Pro from MyMedic is a solid option for an EDC kit you intend to stow in a backpack or tote.
It features a good selection of items you would need in an emergency. You can pick from a standard model or the pro model, which offers a few more items than the base.
The standard kit includes:
- Saline wash
- Scissors
- Space blanket
- Superskin bandage
- CPR shield
- Blister strips
- Mini gauze
- Burn gel
- Hydration tablets
- Meds (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc.)
- Topical items (chapstick, hand sanitizer, ointment, etc.)
- Finger splints
- Penlight
- Tweezer
- Whistle
- Gloves
- Cloth tape
- First aid booklet