In my quest for a simple individual first aid kit (IFAK) that covered the basic essentials for airway management and gross hemorrhage control, I found the Operator IFAK (OIFAK) from Tactical Medical Solutions Inc. The beauty of this kit is in its simplicity. Inside are the components that you will need to treat a gunshot wound, stabbing (or other lacerations), a sucking chest wound, and provide rescue breathing for a downed comrade until more advanced medical care can be provided. This IFAK is a great addition to any range bag or hunting pack, and has military grade components. This makes it perfect for SWAT (HRT, SRT, ect.) and other law enforcement units as well as first responders, military, and civilians who may need a quality kit for a “crap hits the fan” scenario. The OIFAK is available in; ACU, Black, Range Safety Red, Tan, and OD Green for $73.45. It is also available in Multi-Cam for $76.18.
Over the past couple of months, I have spoken to friends who are first responders, law enforcement officers (LEOS), and military veterans regarding the OIFAK. We all had many of the same opinions. The compact size (6 ½” x 4 ½” x 3”) and low profile make it an attractive option. We also liked the way the contents are staged in the pouch, what components are included, ease of deployment, and how the kit is uncluttered from excessive supply during deployment. In short; we like it, and recommend it.
Starting with the pouch, lets take a closer look at the OIFAK. As stated before, the exterior measurements are 6 ½” x 4 ½” x 3”, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The front of the pouch features a hook and loop attachment strip (4″ x 2″) that’s useful for labeling or adding a tear away component. The seams are double stitched and reinforced, and provide a snag free surface on the exterior. The clam shell design opens by using the textured pulls on the zippers (also making it a low noise design). The rear of the pouch has two attachment points for the MOLLE system, and one section of PALS webbing. Inside of the front flap, there are two small pockets and an elastic strap for sorting and securing items. The rear interior features one pocket and two parallel elastic straps.
Now for the components of the OIFAK. Arranged by treatment type, when looking at how they are organized it seems like the pouch was designed around the contents, not the contents around the pouch. During evaluation I removed items multiple times simulating care under fire. All of the supplies came out without issue, and were readily available every time. Here’s a list of what’s included, and the location. To see more information on a specific product, please click on the item in the description. In the back of the pouch is (1) SOF Tactical Tourniquet-W, (1) 4″ Olaes bandage, (1) Petrolatum gauze (3″ x 18″), and (1) CCT card (Combat Casualty Tag). In the front is (1) pair of nitrile gloves (sz. XL), (1) nasopharyangeal airway 28F w/lube, (1) Laderal face shield, and (1) 5.5″ trauma shears. Resting in the middle of the pouch is a roll of 2″ cloth medical tape.
Needless to say, this particular IFAK addresses two specific life threatening conditions; respiratory arrest, and exsanguination (bleeding to death). In my opinion, Tactical Medical Solutions Inc. did their homework and thought the OIFAK out. They’ve included what you would need in a “bare bones” life saving kit, and omitted what you don’t need for immediate care to reduce weight, profile, and clutter.
If you’re wondering about my use of this kit, it has found a home attached to my range bag. I also take it hunting. My overall impression of the company and this particular product is good. The customer service is there, as are the products and kits they offer. I invite you to take a few minutes to check them out, and see what they’re about. From what I’ve seen in the OIFAK, they carry quality products and have prices that are fair and comparable to the market. I’d like to end this article with their mission statement:
“Our pursuit is that of preservation. For us, every life saved is a battle won, and a life lost is a defeat. Both victory and defeat take us to the drawing board where we ask ourselves, “How can we do better?” We evolve and adapt so that when our products go with you into harm’s way, there is no question that you and the tools of your trade are prepared to perform at 100%. We understand the challenges you will face and we have faced many of those challenges as well. Our mission is simple: create the best tactical medical kit available and make sure it’s there when you need it.
Tactical Medical Solutions Inc.
Because your equipment shouldn’t be a compromise.”
Thanks for reading,
-Rhody
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