Military medical kits include supplies to handle the leading causes of preventable death on a battlefield. The correct items can save a life, whether the danger is from uncontrolled blood loss from extremities, collapsed lungs, or obstructed airways.
Only certified medical personnel used to provide medical help on the battlefield. However, nowadays, most soldiers are trained to give self or buddy-aid, which significantly improves survival chances.
Every option from our curated military first aid kit list can help you save your own life or assist a comrade in need without waiting for a medic.
Keep reading to find a suitable model for your needs.
Our Top 3 Military First Aid Kit Recommendations
Best Military First Aid Kit Options for 2022
Blue Force Gear Tactical Operator Response Kit
Pros
- Quick opening
- Various content options
- Best-quality items
Cons
- Requires Medical Device Authorization for purchase
NAR developed their Tactical Operator Response IFAK for medics and military to prevent the leading causes of death in a tactical environment.
The nylon bag is compact, and MOLLE and PALS webbing allows it to be worn on body armor or a vest. Alternatively, you can separately buy the company’s Quick Detach Panel. NAR’s signature Red-Tip Technology one-pull tab makes opening the bag extremely rapid.
T.O.R.K is the best IFAK for blast trauma and penetrating injuries. It consists of primary life-saving equipment, and you can choose between different options:
- The Basic kit holds a premium-quality CAT tourniquet, HyFin Chest Seal (twin pack), Nitrile gloves, trauma shears, emergency trauma dressing, S-Rolled gauze, and Polycarbonate eye shield.
- The Basic with combat gauze kit focuses on stopping bleeding. It contains all of the items from the Basic kit, plus a Z-fold combat gauze (hemostatic dressing).
- The Advanced military med kit with combat gauze includes the items to handle airways obstruction — nasopharyngeal airway (28F) with lubricant, and ARS needle decompression kit (14 G needle, 3.25 inches long) are added to the contents of the previous kit.
- The Advanced with ChitoGauze kit replaces combat gauze with ChitoGauze (PRO hemostatic gauze). The other contents are the same.
Blue Force Gear makes among the best first aid kit models for military purposes. The price ranges from $80 to $150, but you know you’re getting products of outstanding quality. However, you need a Medical Device Authorization to purchase it.
Blue Force Gear Helium Whisper Micro Trauma Kit Essentials
Pros
- Versatile
- Rugged bag with water and sand-resistant zipper
- IR signature reduction hardware
Cons
- Only purchasable with Medical Device Authorization
NAR’s Combat Casualty Response Kit is probably the best first aid kit for the money. It efficiently deals with the three leading causes of death caused by penetrating trauma — bleeding, tension pneumothorax, and airway obstruction.
The bag is made from durable 500 Denier CORDURA solution-dyed nylon with a zipper resistant to water and sand. It’s also self-repairing and features silent 550 cord pulls. The bag is equipped with Ghillie-Tex Near Infrared Signature Reduction hardware, meaning that an IR radar is less likely to detect you.
You can carry the kit in several ways — over-the-shoulder, fanny pack, MOLLE webbing, and with attachments for three-day assault packs. The enhanced hip stabilization makes it additionally secure. You can also get this military first aid bag separately.
Some of the contents of the kit are:
- HyFin chest seal and petrolatum gauze
- Abdominal emergency trauma dressing
- Five pairs of Nitrile gloves
- Two ARS needle decompression kits
- Two CAT tourniquets and two SAM splints
- Two 28F nasopharyngeal airways with lubricant
- Trauma shears
Shears are stored on the front part so that you can access them quickly. Keep in mind you can obtain Squad CCRT tactical first aid kit only if you have Medical Device Authorization.
Rothco Surgical Kit
Pros
- Ideal for treating multiple patients
- You can purchase module contents separately
- M4L ballistic armored protection
Cons
- Very high price
Savior 7 kit is a perfect match for tactical medics and active shooters. It’s great for treating multiple patients at once or when you can’t restock for a while. It follows the MARCH algorithm — Massive bleeding control, Airway management, Respiratory management, Circulation, Hypothermia.
It holds five identical modules with combat medical supplies, and each one is detachable. The MOLLE-compatible MERET Savior 7 PRO Combat Trauma System backpack is made from a 1200 Denier coated thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that’s resistant to water and stains.
It is sleek enough not to slow you down or obstruct your movements, even in narrow or confined spaces. It features a four-point strap system attaching to a vest and disengaging rapidly using quick-release buckles.
M4L Ballistic Armored Protection makes it one of the finest military medical bags on the market. In addition, it provides excellent armor protection to your vital chest region.
The shoulder straps, adjustable waist, and sternum belts are fully concealable. The handles on the top and the sides allow you to carry the bag that way.
The bag has zippered pockets to put QuikLitter (sold separately) or IV solutions. It opens by pulling on EZ-Pull to access the medical supplies immediately.
Some of the RE Savior 7 military first aid kit contents include:
- Two NAR CAT Gen7 tourniquets
- HyFin chest seal (twin pack)
- Trauma shears
- Two H&H flat fold Thin H bandages
- Two NAR S-rolled gauzes
- Two thermal blankets
- Two 28F nasal airways with lubricant
Each module features a loop where you can put a label. Bleeding Control labels are available for purchase. Even though we heartily recommend the bag, we have to say it’s costly — short of 1000 bucks.
If you don’t want to spend that much, you can get five army first aid kit modules separately in a sealed poly-bag for about $559.99. Rothco Surgical Kit offers payments in four interest-free installments with Klarna.
First Military Trauma Kit
Pros
- You can add your favorite hemostatic agent
- Made in the US
- Berry Amendment compliant
Cons
- Requires Medical Device Authorization
TMK-CL comes in a MOLLE-compatible bag in multiple colors and is an excellent combat first aid kit. The bag has a removable central panel with loops for attaching smaller pieces of equipment.
It also features a bunch of mesh, canvas, and clear pockets and pouches, with zipper closure and elastic straps, and can be purchased separately.
500 Denier CORDURA nylon bags are made in the US and are Berry Amendment compliant. The waist strap can also be worn on the shoulder. Also, side straps prevent the combat medical kit contents from falling out even if the bag is open.
Some of the contents of the kit are:
- Two CAT tourniquets and four compressed gauzes
- Two Israeli bandages and an Israeli abdominal bandage
- Two decompression needles
- Two nasopharyngeal airways (28 F) with lubricant
- Bolin chest seal and HALO chest seal (twin pack)
- Splint and two Cravat triangular bandages
- CoFlex UMAFD
You can add the hemostatic agent of your choice to this field medical kit. You can pick among QuikClot, QuikClot XL, HemCon ChitoGauze, and CELOX. Bear in mind that you’ll need a Medical Device Authorization to purchase this kit.
It may substitute some items to ship your kit on time. Unfortunately, they do not deliver outside the US.
First Military I.V. First Aid Kit
Pros
- Padded back and adjustable shoulder straps
- Easy access
- Multiple compartments for convenient storage
- Over 300 life-saving supplies and equipment
- Features a hydration bladder port
Cons
- Heavy when fully loaded
- No CAT tourniquet
STOMP military medical kit comes either in a MOLLE backpack with multiple color options or as contents only. You can also get the empty backpack separately. It is made from durable nylon materials that withstand harsh conditions and regular use.
It has two interior sections with multiple compartments, including mesh pockets, velcro, and zippered pockets. The bag has MOLLE webbing so that you can attach additional military first aid pouches.
The front velcro is excellent if you want to attach patches or ID. This fantastic backpack even has a hydration bladder opening on the inside.
It’s comfortable to carry, featuring a padded back, comfortable adjustable shoulder straps, and a waist belt. The top and sides also feature grab handles, and all zippers are waterproof.
The bag is designed to enable quick access to life-saving items. Each section can be opened flat, so the inside pouches and pockets are easy to see and reach.
More than 300 professional items have you covered for any emergency. The military first aid items include:
- Multiple pairs of Nitrile gloves
- Various bandages and wipes
- Different hemostats and splints (universal and SAM)
- Dressings (trauma, multi-trauma) and various gauzes
- Two pairs of EMT shears
- Eye-skin wash and pads
- Butterfly closure strips, scalpel handle with multiple blades, and stethoscope
The kit doesn’t come with a CAT tourniquet, however. For the full list and more details about this military trauma kit content, visit it’s official website.
The biggest downside of this kit is that the backpack gets really heavy when it’s fully loaded, especially if you add more of your own items to it. But, other than that, it’s a perfect medkit for trauma and basic needs.
First Military Medication Kit
Pros
- High-quality vintage-looking bag
- Convenient three-fold design
- Over 300 items
Cons
- No CAT tourniquet
The M-17 vintage military first aid kit bag remains true to its original Vietnam design, including olive drab color and classic metal parts, with slight updates concerning ergonomics. You can buy the bag, made from tough nylon fabric, separately.
It has a carrying handle and adjustable shoulder straps so that it can be worn both ways. Moreover, it features a web belt, sternum strap, and four adjustable side straps for additional contents’ safety.
The three-fold pack features six individual interior pockets that allow easy access to over 300 items. M-17 army medical kit includes a wide assortment, and some of the products are:
- Bandages, pads, and dressings
- Wipes, bandage strips, and pads
- Scalpel handle with blades, suture sets, and stethoscope
- Tongue depressors and airway
- Tweezers, hemostats, and ammonia inhalants
- Burn spray and burn aid packages
- Trauma shears, butterfly strips
For a complete list and more details about the items, you should visit it’s official website. Unfortunately, this military medic kit also comes without a CAT tourniquet, but we recommend purchasing one separately.
Rothco MOLLE Military Trauma & First Aid Kit Pouch
Pros
- Excellent-quality CORDURA nylon bag
- Berry Amendment compliant
- Eligible for FSA, HSA, and HRA reimbursement
- Easy-to-open vacuum-sealed trauma kit
Cons
- Medical Device Authorization needed
Rothco MOLLE compliant and US-made. It offers some of the best trauma kit options you can buy. Its trauma kit pouches come with a Fatboy or a Tallboy design in multiple colors. Both open rapidly, with a pull of the handle, and are MOLLE and PALS-compatible.
The bags are 500 Denier CORDURA nylon with cloth interior, binding tape on all seams, and dirt-resistant zippers. They have a central compartment, two interior pockets, an inside flap with webbing, and shock cord closure.
With the bag, you’ll get an ITS Med PVC patch that you can attach to velcro on the outside and a replaceable shock cord and cord lock. You can purchase ITS military first aid kit bags empty, or you can select some or all of the following:
- ETA trauma kit
- SOFT-T tourniquet
- CAT tourniquet
- A pair of long or short MALICE clips
- Clauss titanium bonded shears
The ETA trauma kit treats the leading preventable causes of death. It features vented chest seals, QuikClot gauze, 28 ft nasopharyngeal airway, decompression needle, compressed gauze, pressure dressing, and a pair of Nitrile gloves.
It’s vacuum-sealed in ITS puncture-resistant TruFlex material, which is more durable than others on the market. It also opens more quickly than other comparable products.
ETA military emergency medical kit is exceptionally compact, too. It fits in your pocket, any bag, glove box, and, of course, in a Fatboy or Tallboy pouch.
This kit is eligible for FSA, HSA, and HRA reimbursement. In addition, it offers free shipping on all US orders that exceed $75 and for all US members.
However, if you don’t have the Medical Device Authorization needed for purchasing this kit, you should consider another military first aid kit for sale.
What is Medical Device Authorization?
Reading this article, you’ve noticed particular kits require a Medical Device Authorization to purchase. So, what is it, and why is it so important?
Although many medical devices are widely available without any authorization or prescription, some are FDA-restricted. For example, a prescription medical device labeled “Caution” or “Rx Only.” is the QuikClot combat gauze found in many military medical kits.
FDA guidelines’ definition for a prescription device is as follows:
“A device which, because of any potentiality for harmful effect, or the supervision of the method of its use, or the collateral measures necessary to its use is not safe unless under a practitioner licensed by law to direct use of this device, and hence for which adequate directions for use cannot be prepared.”
A lot of military first aid kit options on the market include items with the characteristics mentioned above. That means that an “Rx Only” device can be purchased exclusively by a licensed medical practitioner.
Consequently, Federal law demands that you present a valid license if you’re a healthcare provider or if you’re working under an individual who’s licensed to purchase them. In any other scenario, you won’t be able to buy such kits.
People Also Ask
These kits must contain items that address the three leading causes of preventable death on a battlefield — blood loss, obstructed airways, and collapsed lungs. The contents should be packed into a waterproof or water-repellent bag or utility pouch.
Some of the recommended items include:
– Tourniquets
– An assortment of bandages (elastic and triangular)
– Israeli dressings
– Pressure dressings
– Combat gauze (hemostatic)
– Nasopharyngeal airways
– Chest seals
– Abdominal pads
– Surgical adhesive tape
Level 3 first aid kit is designed for high-risk or large worksites that are more than 20 minutes surface travel from medical aid or hospital. Some of the items in these kits include but are not limited to:
– Emergency blanket
– Adhesive dressings
– Adhesive tape rolls
– Tourniquet (windlass style)
– Triangular bandages
– Sterile pressure dressings
– Sterile abdominal dressings
– Conforming gauze bandages
– Sterile gauze dressings
– Face shields
NAR’s Tactical Operator Response Kit (TORK) is among the best options. Not only does it come in a compact MOLLE bag with a one-pull tab for rapid access, but it can also be customized to your needs.
NAR offers several options for kit contents:
– Basic — CAT tourniquet, HyFin Chest Seal (twin pack), Nitrile gloves, trauma shears, emergency trauma dressing, S-Rolled gauze, and Polycarbonate eye shield;
– Basic with combat gauze — everything listed above plus Z-fold combat gauze;
– Advanced with combat gauze — added combat gauze, nasopharyngeal airway with lube, and needle decompression kit;
– Advanced with ChitoGauze — the same as the previous model with ChitoGauze instead of combat gauze.
Our recommendation for an excellent model is the Combat Casualty Response Kit (Squad CCRT) from NAR. It addresses the leading causes of death — hemorrhaging, airway obstruction, collapsed lungs.
Furthermore, the bag is tough, with water and sand-resistant zippers. And finally, it features Ghillie-Tex Near Infrared Signature Reduction hardware, so you’re less likely to be detected by an IR radar.
This NAR’s military first aid kit comes with a wide variety of items, some of which are:
– HyFin chest seal
– Petrolatum gauze
– Abdominal emergency trauma dressing
– Nitrile gloves
– Needle decompression kits
– CAT tourniquets