Building your emergency bugout bag and individual first aid kit (IFAK) can be complicated. The best way to un-complicate it? Build a basic understanding of first aid and emergencies. We recommend taking a two-prong approach: 1) Researching online and 2) professional training. Online research can get you far, but professional training can give you the confidence to help in an emergency.

Adventure Medical Kits Trauma Pak with QuikClot

This kit features many of the necessities you’ll need in an emergency. It is USA-made and includes trauma pads, QuikClot gauze, triangular bandages, and more. The QuikClot is non-allergenic and stops bleeding in minutes with natural clotting. This pack is a go-to item for military, law enforcement, EMS, first responders, and hospitals. It is an ideal addition to your medical kit, IFAK, emergency bugout bag, suture kit, EDC pouch, and survival kit. Its compact size makes it perfect for bringing along on camping trips, backpacking, and in your car as your go-to first aid kit and emergency bag.

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North American Rescue Hyfin Vent Chest Seal

These chest seals are crucial when dealing with injuries that penetrate the chest. Likely an item that you may not be considering, you will be grateful you are prepared if you have to navigate chest trauma. These chest seals come in a twin pack as two independently packaged items to ensure that you can treat both entry and exit or multiple penetrating injuries to the chest. With a patented design, these chest seals use three vent channels to prevent airflow and bacteria into the chest cavity during inhalation and exhalation while breathing.

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North American Rescue CAT-7 Combat Application Tourniquet

Most people have heard of tourniquets, but it can be unclear which one to buy with so many options. This CAT-7 Tourniquet is the Official Selection of the U.S. Army! According to the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research, this tourniquet has been proven to block blood flow in the upper and lower extremities effectively. Plus, it is easy to use with a red tip to locate and thread during the tourniquet application. Windlass clips and easy to find security tab make it simple to quickly apply and record your application time directly on the tourniquet.

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SWAT-T Tourniquet

Another popular type of tourniquet is the SWAT Tourniquet. This solution offers a multipurpose dressing to Stretch, Wrap, and Tuck. Manufacturers developed this tourniquet specifically for law enforcement, special forces, and other specialists that deal in extreme emergency and high-stress environments. You can quickly apply this type of tourniquet to address an injury in the groin or axilla. In addition, it takes very little storage and is very reliable.

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Medical Scissors/Trauma Shears

Don’t get caught using scissors from your drawer during a medical situation. Instead, rely on these non-stick, high-impact, premium quality, and durable medical shears. EMTs and medical professionals trust these stainless steel with milled serrations sheers that are approximately 7.5 inches long and made to cut through rigid materials. The field-tested blunt tip and shear design ensure that both you and the patient are safe. Not to mention, they come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. It may not seem essential until you need it. Still, we recommend getting these medical shears for your emergency bugout bag.

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Gauze Pads

Gauze pads can help stop bleeding, as well as protect wounds to avoid nasty infections. We recommend these sterile, 6-ply cotton gauze. There are approximately 4.1 yards of gauze per roll, and they are 4. 5 inches wide. Ideal for wound bandaging and injuries that require a wrap, these rolled and compressed gauze are great. The crinkle weave creates the perfect item for absorption, and the small size makes it easy to carry in your emergency bag. Ideal for small to large wounds, make sure that you always use a compression bandage in conjunction with the gauze to combat hemorrhaging.

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Individual First Aid Kit

This pack is the ideal first aid kit for on the go. It includes products to treat inflammation, allergies, and pain. From bandages and wraps, you’ll be able to address fractures and gashes to antiseptic wipes to help clean out cuts and wounds. The compact size of this IFAK makes it easy to take with you. It is only 5.5 x 11 x 1 inches and weighs approximately 3.68 ounces. This IFAK is recommended for one person for 1-2 days, so think of it as an excellent addition for a short trip, to have around the house or in your emergency bugout bag.

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Cohesive Medical Tape

RISEN Cohesive is a bandage that sticks to itself but won’t stick to hair, skin, and other materials. This item comes with six 2” x 5 Yards rolls that weigh approximately 1/2 oz each. Its high elasticity enables maximum stretch length while providing flexible force adjustment. This tape allows you to apply pressure to a bleeding injury or wrap gently around a cut on your little finger. Applicable to all body parts, the breathable material ensures adequate airflow to comfort the wound and skin. The best part? You no longer need scissors to cut; you can tear with your hands!

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Nexcare Durable Cloth First Aid Tape

It would help if you had strong cloth tape to ensure appropriate bandaging. This Nexcare Cloth Tape is the leading tape used in hospitals, trauma centers, and by EMTs. It is extraordinarily versatile and can be used to secure bulky dressing, splints, and much more. Secure your gauze and ensure that it stays on, especially during exercise or movement. If you find yourself often taking adventures, looking to equip your emergency go bag, or likely to deal with complex medical emergencies, this item is essential.

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Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves

The old rubber gloves filled with donning powder are an item of the past. Today, you can quickly get nitrile gloves, and we recommend them. Nitrile is a stretchy, strong, durable, and puncture-resistant material. They are comfortable and have textured fingertips to increase sensitivity. The beaded cuff and smooth finish also contribute to outstanding durability. You can often select various colors to your liking as well! These nitrile gloves are used by emergency preparedness staff, first responders, doctors, law enforcement, tattoo artists, and more. Gloves can help you protect yourself and anyone you treat from infection and disease. In short, they are essential for your bugout bag.

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Conclusion

With so many variables to any emergency, there's no such thing as the perfect bugout bag. But with the essential items listed above, you will have a good start to being prepared for a range of emergencies. Just don't forget that along with the supplies, training is essential. So reach out to your local Red Cross for some CPR and medical training courses.