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My Non-Negotiable Trauma Kit Essentials
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items Look, nobody wants to think about worst-case scenarios, but being prepared is everything. I've taken multiple trauma care courses, and these are the items I consider non-negotiable for any serious bleeding control kit. Forget the flimsy stuff in most...
This is the gold standard for a reason. It's incredibly easy to apply with one hand, which is critical. I've practiced with this dozens of times; it's the one I trust my life with.
North American Rescue C-A-T Combat Tourniquet
You need to get to the wound, fast. These aren't your kitchen scissors; they'll cut through denim, leather, and seatbelts without a problem. Absolutely essential for exposing an injury quickly.
LEATHERMAN, Raptor Rescue, 6-in-1 Trauma Shears
This stuff is like magic for wounds where a tourniquet won't work (like the torso or groin). The hemostatic agent helps blood clot way faster than gauze alone. A total must-have.
Kaolin Hemostatic Combat Gauze
Perfect for wound packing. The Z-fold design means it feeds out of the package smoothly without rolling away or getting dirty. It’s incredibly compact but expands to give you plenty to work with.
Nar Z Fold Gauze
For any penetrating injury to the chest, you need these. This pack comes with two seals (for an entry and exit wound) and the vents let trapped air escape. They’re super sticky and work even on sweaty skin.
North American Rescue HyFin Vent Chest Seal
Honestly, I carry this instead of most traditional medical tape. It’s stronger, more waterproof, and sticks to anything. You can use it to secure bandages, back up a chest seal, or fix gear in a pinch. The small roll is perfect for a kit.
Gorilla Tape, Mini Duct Tape To-Go 1 Inch
This is your all-in-one solution for applying serious pressure. It combines a sterile pad, an elastic wrap, and a built-in pressure bar. It's faster and way more effective than fumbling with separate gauze and tape.
EVERLIT Israeli 6 Inch Emergency Bandage
You have to write down the time you apply a tourniquet. An industrial-grade Sharpie won't fail you in the heat or cold. Just tuck it into your tourniquet’s strap so it's always there when you need it.
Sharpie Industrial Permanent Markers
Your safety comes first. Always. These are thicker and more tear-resistant than the flimsy gloves in most first aid kits. I keep at least two pairs in my pouch.
Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves
Losing blood leads to shock and a rapid drop in body temperature, even on a hot day. These mylar blankets are ultralight, compact, and crucial for keeping someone warm and preventing shock from getting worse.
Sol Survival Blanket
A good kit needs a good home. I love pouches with a quick-deploy handle; you just pull it and all your gear is laid out and accessible. It keeps everything organized and protected from the elements.
CURMIO Small Empty Emergency First Aid Bag
Emergencies don't just happen in broad daylight. A simple, reliable headlamp keeps your hands free to work. This one is no-frills, durable, and just plain works every time.
PETZL TIKKINA Headlamp - Compact
Trauma often involves broken bones. The SAM splint is a game-changer—it’s a lightweight, foam-and-aluminum sheet that you can mold to immobilize almost any joint or limb. Super easy to use and takes up virtually no space in a bag.
Sam Splint
This is a next-level item for keeping an unconscious person's airway open. Important: get proper training on how to use this. But if you're serious about preparedness, managing an airway is a critical skill. This kit comes with the tube and the lubri...
Nasal Airway Kit
Before you seal or wrap a wound, you want it as clean as possible. This pressurized saline spray is way better than using bottled water because it's sterile and the pressure helps flush out dirt and debris. It's a small step that makes a huge differe...
Saline Solution For Wounds