The contents of a trauma kit should be significantly different from the contents of a regular first aid kit because its purpose is to stop traumatic bleeding. So what should be in a trauma kit?
A trauma kit is designed to treat life-threatening injuries until medical professionals arrive. The equipment it contains therefore includes tools to assist the critically injured patient and protect the first responder.
Trauma Tools
First responders require several tools to treat major bleeding. Popular kits like the True Rescue bleeding control kit contain the following essential items:
1. Tourniquet
A tourniquet is an essential item in any high-quality trauma kit. A tourniquet is a device used to apply pressure to a limb in order to stop traumatic bleeding. It is applied tightly above the site of the bleeding to restrict blood flow to the injured area.
The Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) has approved the following tourniquets:
- TMT Tourniquet by Combat Medical
- CAT Tourniquet Gen 7 by North American Rescue
- TX2 and TX3 RevMedX
- XT Tourniquet SAM Medical
- SOF Tourniquet Gen 4 Tactical Medical Solutions
Be aware that some overseas manufacturers have produced counterfeit versions of approved tourniquets—especially the CAT. Always purchase tourniquets from the manufacturer or an official supplier and familiarize yourself with the original tourniquet’s markers of authenticity.
Permanent Marker for Noting Tourniquet Application Time
Your trauma kit should also include a permanent marker. First responders will use it to write the time the tourniquet was applied to the tourniquet or the patient’s skin. This is important as leaving a tourniquet on over an extended period can cause tissue damage. In the case of multiple injuries, it will also help medical professionals decide which patients to treat first.
2. Wound-Packing Gauze
Wound-packing gauze is essential for treating deep wounds. Wound packing will immediately help staunch bleeding, promote faster healing, and prevent exposure to infection. The correct use of wound-packing gauze will also help to prevent further damage and stabilize the casualty before medical professionals arrive on the scene.
Wound-packing gauze is placed inside the laceration and fixed in place with bandages. This applies pressure to the broken blood vessels to control bleeding. More than one gauze may be required if the bleeding is severe.
3. Hmostatic Gauze
Hemostatic gauze is an advanced medical dressing designed to control bleeding. It is impregnated with hemostatic agents that activate upon contact with blood, making it highly effective at stopping blood flow from traumatic injuries.
Hemostatic gauze is characterized by the following features:
- Absorbent material: Hemostatic gauze is made of highly absorbent material that can soak up large amounts of blood.
- Hemostatic agents: The gauze is impregnated with chemicals or substances that promote blood clotting. These agents help to accelerate the body’s natural clotting process.
- Pressure application: When applied to a wound, the gauze exerts pressure on the bleeding area, helping to compress blood vessels and slow blood flow.
- Blood clotting: The hemostatic agents in the gauze interact with the blood to promote clot formation, further reducing blood loss.
4. Chest Seal
A vented chest seal treats a penetrating wound to the chest. They’re especially effective for patients with entry and exit wounds, for example, gunshot victims.
Vented chest seals allow air to escape the chest when the patient breathes without being reabsorbed when the patient inhales. Look for a chest seal that’s coated with an adhesive gel. This helps the first responder apply it even in the presence of blood or other bodily fluids.
5. Emergency Trauma Dressing
A first responder applies an emergency trauma dressing externally to help control moderate to severe bleeding. An emergency trauma dressing features a sterile trauma pad to place directly on the wound. Velcro brakes and closure bars apply pressure to the wound and secure the bandage in place. The best dressings will be elastic and designed for quick and efficient application.
6. Survival Blanket
A survival blanket locks in the patient’s heat after a traumatic accident. Maintaining a patient’s body heat is critical to preventing or alleviating symptoms of shock or hypothermia.
A 2022 narrative review also described how a survival blanket is multi-functional in critical situations. A blanket can also function as:
- Makeshift bandages
- Pelvic binders
- Tourniquets
- Chest seals
- Infection barriers
- Sunglasses
- Patient transportation aid in remote areas
7. Trauma Shears
Trauma shears are specialized scissors designed to cut through clothing and other materials quickly and efficiently. They are designed to be strong, durable, and capable of cutting through thick fabrics, belts, and other obstacles that may hinder access to a wound.
Trauma shears are often used by medical professionals or first responders to remove clothing from an injured person. They can then assess and treat wounds. They’re also useful to cut through bandages or other materials that obstruct access to a wound.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) primarily protects the first responder from blood and other bodily fluids. It also provides a more sanitary way to treat a patient with severe bleeding.
Standard PPE contained in a trauma kit includes nitrile responder gloves and sometimes eye protection. Nitrile gloves protect the first responder against blood and other bodily fluids when treating a patient. Look for hypoallergenic options like latex and powder-free gloves.
Additional Items in a Tactical Trauma Kit
A tactical medical kit offers advanced medical equipment to treat life-threatening injuries on the battlefield and in other active combat situations. A combat trauma kit like a JFAK should include basic bleeding control items plus other medical equipment like:
- An airway management pack including a manual suction device, a nasopharyngeal airway, and a pocket mask.
- Extra gauze such as combat gauze
- Compression dressings with triangular bandages
- Kerlix bandage: Kerlix bandages are extra absorbent and can be used to pack and dress wounds.
- Eye shield: Protects the first responder’s eyes from blood and other bodily fluids when treating a casualty.
The main differences between a tactical and a regular trauma kit will be the scope of its contents and the scenarios they’re designed for. A trauma kit offers medical equipment to deal with casualties at home, on the road, or at the office. In contrast, a tactical medical kit provides items to give life-saving treatment on the battlefield.
Other Features to Look for in a Trauma Kit
In addition to its life-saving contents, a trauma kit should have the following features to best help a trauma victim in the critical first seconds and minutes following an accident.
- Highly compact: A trauma kit should be small enough to fit into a small hiking bag or a car’s glove box. Look for a compact and lightweight option for outdoor adventures.
- Waterproof: Trauma kits usually come in pouches. The material used should be waterproof to protect the kit’s contents.
- Easily accessible: Every second makes a difference when treating a critically injured patient. Make sure your kit has a reliable zip and easily openable material.
- Instruction card: Knowing how to use equipment like tourniquets saves lives. Read up on how to use your medical equipment and practice regularly.
Trauma Kits Are Much More than Just a First Aid Kit
A trauma kit provides the necessary equipment to control bleeding in life-threatening situations at home, on the road, or in the workplace. They go beyond regular first aid kits, which are designed for treating non-critical injuries.
An immediate response is required when traumatic injuries occur. Having a trauma kit on hand and knowing how to use it can be the difference between life and death.