A tactical first aid kit can mean the difference between life and death under challenging conditions. The supplies they contain can help with emergencies and prevent the situation from getting worse.
The standard kits can’t help you with deep cuts or broken limbs, while a specially prepared assortment of supplies can make all the difference.
Here is our review of the best first aid kit options on the market and tips on what to look for when choosing.
However, to ensure you know how to use all of the pieces correctly, we recommend undergoing the appropriate certification and training procedures.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
The Best Tactical First Aid Kit Options
Blue Force Gear Micro Trauma Kit
Pros
- Belt and Molle compatible
- Compact
- Easy access
- Essential/Pro/Advanced supplies
- Military-grade pouch materials and supplies
Cons
- Tourniquets are not included
- Medical authorization is required to purchase some of the models
Blue Force Gear’s Micro Trauma Kit Now (Micro TKN) is designed with law enforcement pros, military, and hunters in mind, but it is suitable for everyone with similar needs.
With this EDC first aid kit, you get the essential trauma supplies in a convenient little pouch that you can carry on your belt or a Molle (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) platform.
Medical supplies are organized into a removable insert for speedy access. You can pull the BLIP tabs with one finger from the left or right side to get the insert out. That is a great design for tactical medical kits.
The pouch is made from military-grade materials and threads so that it will last a long time. You can customize its appearance with the inserts for the laser-cut medical cross insignia at the front. It comes with options in various colors and a glow-in-the-dark one, or you can simply leave the insert out.
You can also choose among Essential, Pro, and Advanced kit supplies or get the empty pouch.
- In the Essential tactical first aid kit, you get one of each — Mylar hypothermia blanket (30 sq ft unfolded), pair of Nitrile latex-free trauma gloves, mini compression dressing (4 in), QuikClot bleeding control dressing (3 in wide, 4 ft long), and flat fold tape (2 in wide, 100 in long). This kit helps prevent hypothermia, stops bleeding, and is suitable for inexperienced users.
- The Pro kit comes with a Swat-T pressure device, Quikclot combat gauze LE (1 in wide, 4 yds long), hypothermia blanket (30 sq ft unfolded), and pair of Nitrile trauma gloves. That is a great first responder and police trauma kit at the local, state, and federal levels. However, the QuickClot combat gauze LE requires medical authorization for purchase.
- The Advanced fill includes a QuikClot combat gauze MIL (1 in wide, 4 yds long), a pair of Nitrile trauma gloves, a twin pack HyFin chest seal (4.75 in by 4.75 in), a mini compression dressing (4 in), a flat fold tape (2 in wide, 100 in long), a decompression needle (14 ga, 3.25 in long), a pair of Nitrile trauma gloves, and a nasopharyngeal airway (size 28 French).
The advanced tactical medical gear follows the MARCH protocol from TCCC training for treating traumatic injuries. QuickClot combat gauze is designed for military and first responders at the federal level. You’ll also need proof of medical authorization to purchase these items.
Tourniquets, apart from the Swat-T pressure device that can be used as a second tourniquet, are not included in any of these options, so it’s best to buy them separately. This tactical first aid kits pouch won the NRA Golden Bullseye “Accessory of The Year” award in 2018.
Lightning X Spread Eagle Molle Tactical IFAK
Pros
- Excellent for a gunshot, stab, and puncture wounds
- Well-thought-out and molle-compatible design of the bag
- Equipped for gun range accident
- A limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- You must fit the products into the bag yourself
As you know, Shooters’ first aid kit is a vital piece of equipment on every shooting range, and Lightning X Spread Eagle kit is an excellent Molle-compatible option. It can save your life in critical situations, not only for gunshot-related incidents but with stabbing and puncture wounds.
The laser-cut construction is double-layered, with double elastic loops and pocket depth. The bag sports additional velcro and loops for tools on the front and sides. It attaches to the vest, bag, pack, or a Molle platform with modular webbing straps.
Lightning X’s best gun range bag first aid kit lies flat when the zipper is opened and has four storage flaps for supplies and equipment. On the front lap, there are corded loops with adjustable drawstring fasteners, ideal for smaller items. The design of the bag and all the compartments make one-handed access easy.
This kit comes with a rubber red cross patch you can attach to the velcro on the front of the bag. You can also purchase the bag separately if you wish to build the kit on your own.
This shooting range first aid kit contains everything you might need in a gunshot emergency:
- NAR Combat Action Tourniquet (CAT) and Gen 7 tourniquet
- NAR HyFin Vent Chest Seal (Twin pack)
- Compressed Krinkle gauze and self-adherent gauze (2 in)
- Conforming stretch roll gauze (2 in, 3 in, 4 in)
- Two pairs of nitrile gloves
- Israeli combat pressure bandage (4 in) and burn dressing (4 by 4 in)
- Woven elastic bandage with clips (2 in)
- QC comb gauze Z-folded LE (3 in by 4 yds)
- Nasal airway 28FR
- Abdominal (ABD) pad (5 in by 9 in)
- EMT shears (7.5 in)
- Thermal blanket
The only possible downturn to Lightning X’s gun range first aid kit is that the contents don’t come pre-packed into the bag. Nonetheless, you can arrange them in a way that works for you. Lightning X products have a limited lifetime warranty.
Surviveware Survival Trauma First Aid Kit
Pros
- Various ways of carrying
- Heavy-duty construction
- High-quality supplies for stopping bleeding and treating bone injuries
- Excellent customer service and return and refund policy
Cons
- It comes without an airway tube and hemostatic agent
Surviveware offers different tactical medical kits that are FSA eligible and HSA approved. We chose a model that comes with a complete assortment of supplies, well-organized into sleeves and pockets.
The Molle-compatible removable pouch is made of heavy-duty polyester (600 Denier), with triple-stitched lining and durable zippers. A MED patch comes with the bag and attaches to the velcro on the front. It is water-resistant but not waterproof.
This kit focuses primarily on stopping bleeding, treating lower body temperature shock, and bone fractures and sprains. Exsanguination is the most significant cause of preventable death in all accidents, so this is an excellent set in such situations.
Surviveware’s fully stocked molle tactical trauma kit first aid pouch comes with:
- Trauma shears and NAR trauma dressing
- Recon Medical tourniquet and pressure bandage
- Antiseptic towelettes and hygiene supplies
- Compressed gauze and gauze pads (2.95 in by 2.95 in)
- HyFin chest seal (twin pack)
- Thermal blanket
- 18-inch splint roll
- Permanent marker
- Safety glasses and three pairs of nitrile gloves
- Manual and room to add more
Surviveware ensures you never get expired products, and they are partners with reputable manufacturers — Recon Medical and North American Rescue (NAR) — to provide premium-quality med supplies. However, the set lacks an airway tube and hemostatic agent.
It’s one of the best tactical first aid kits for police officers and a perfect choice for every tactical medic, first responder, hunter, outdoorsman, military, or keeping in your car.
Thanks to the Molle platform, you can carry it in various ways.The website offers free shipping for orders over $25, hassle-free returns, and a 100% money-back guarantee.
Surviveware kits aren’t the cheapest, but the website offers the possibility of getting this best tactical trauma kit in four interest-free payments with Affirm. The customer service is also fantastic.
Lightning X Stocked Tactical Kit Molle Backpack
Pros
- High-quality supplies for different emergencies
- Comfortable
- Hydration bag
Cons
- You have to fill the bag yourself
Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a situation where more than one person could be injured, so it’s best to be prepared. The fully equipped EMS MB45 modular tactical medical backpack features Molle platforms on the front and back sides so that you can attach additional pouches, tools, patches, and badges.
It’s designed to be comfortable on your back — the shoulder straps won’t cut into your flesh or cause any discomfort. You can wear it for extended periods, and the hidden hydration port is tremendously helpful on those occasions.
A 2.5L hydration bladder is included with this tactical first aid kit Molle bag, but the bag can hold any kind or size of a container with a left or right-side opening.
The main compartment holds four removable and mutually interchangeable zippered pouches, all ready to go. These have one transparent side, so you can easily see where you put the items.
The bag contains pretty much anything you may need in emergency scenarios of chest trauma, hemorrhage control, and airway management. Here are some of the tactical first aid kit contents, and you can see the complete list on its website:
- Multiple sizes and types of bandages (self-adhesive, elastic ace, triangle, QuickClot, Israeli) and chest seal and cervical collar
- Pads (gauze, ABD, eye, sting, and bite relief) and band-aids
- Wipes (Iodine, Isopropyl Alcohol)
- Splints (SAM finger splint, roll)
- Sprays (burn, antiseptic, hemostatic) and eyewash
- Dressing (trauma, burn) and shears (bandage, trauma)
- Airway kits (Berman, nasal), cold packs, and tourniquet
- Ammonia ampoules and Iodine antibiotic ointment
- Stethoscope, digital blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximeter
- CPR and MPR masks and gloves, a suture set, kelly hemostats, and tweezers
This tactical first aid bag also includes a First Aid Guide. However, it comes with the contents separately. It may seem challenging to fit everything inside at first, but you’ll get everything conveniently arranged in the bag with a bit of practice.
North American Rescue Solo IFAK
Pros
- Complete kit for one user
- Rugged pouch
- For minor and major injuries
Cons
- Some of the supplies require training to be used
North American Rescue (NAR) offers one of the best complete IFAK kit options for treating both minor and life-threatening injuries.
The kit comes in a sturdy, compact pouch that you can wear on a belt or vest. The bag weighs only 1.35 lb and is 5 in long, 3.5 in wide, and 7.5 in high. It’s Molle-compatible and has velcro and additional loops for attaching patches or tools. The set features a luminous MED patch.
For treating severe injuries, you get the following items — a CAT tourniquet, a QuikClot dressing, a compressed gauze, an emergency trauma dressing, and a thermal blanket. NAR’s Solo tactical first aid kit includes various items, among which are:
- Dressings, bandages, and trauma shears
- Gauze, pads, petrolatum gauze, and flat fold surgical tape
- Burntec burn dressing and triangular bandage for splinting
- Clear adhesive dressings
- Wound closure strips and irrigation syringe
- Flexible fabric bandages
- Silver bandages
- Polycarbonate eye shields
- Penlight and permanent marker
- Pair of Nitrile gloves, CPR mask, and splinter forceps
Solo is among the best first aid kit with tourniquet options, which will keep a patient stable until the paramedics come. NAR is the number one pick for military and combat medics and is ideal for sportspeople, hunters, and adventurers.
Our recommendation is to keep one of these kits in your car or take them on the go as an everyday carry kit.
Rescue Essentials First Responder Vehicle Kit
Pros
- High-quality bag
- Comfortable to wear
- Plenty of excellent products
- Space to add more
Cons
- Size
Rescue Essentials’ vehicle kit for first responders is one of the best tactical medical bags you can purchase. It’s developed for Denver International Airport vehicles to provide emergency help until the paramedics arrive at the scene.
The bag, which you can also purchase empty, is exceptionally rugged. It’s made of 1000 Denier polyester and is comfortable to wear thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap.
The main compartment has three sections — two zippered pockets on the sides, two pouches on the front, a zip-flap pocket on the front, and various tool loops. Quick access is guaranteed due to quick-release buckles.
Rescue Essentials’ best tactical first aid kit can be used for minor and major wounds and burns, minor to severe bleeding, bone injuries, such as splinting and immobilization, and trauma. Different medications and topicals also come with the kit:
- Gen7 CAT tourniquet
- Trauma shears and pressure, and Tegaderm dressing
- ABD pads and HyFin chest seal (twin pack)
- Gauze (compressed, hemostatic), roller gauze, and gauze sponges
- Thermal blanket
- Eye pads and gel, and fox eyeshields
- Different bandages and adhesive tape
- Needle forceps
- SAM splint and finger splints
- Cold packs, burn gel, and dressings
- Glucose tablets, Aspirin and Diphenhydramine
- Antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes
Tactical trauma kits should feature some personal safety equipment. Rescue Essentials gives you multiple pairs of Nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer, and a CPR pocket mask. Of course, there’s plenty of space to add other needed items.
This kit may be a bit expensive, but remember you get top-notch items. Rescue Essentials’ website offers you four interest-free payments with Klarna. As we already said, you can buy the bag empty and build your own kit or buy only the supplies.
Elite First Aid Tactical Trauma Kit #3
Pros
- It comes with 200+ items
- Comfortable backpack
- Easy access
Cons
- The bag isn’t waterproof
Elite trauma first aid kit comes in a rugged backpack with solid zippers, comfortable, padded, adjustable shoulder straps, additional sternum straps, and a web belt. The back panel features a velcro strip, where you can attach patches and other panels. In addition, you have a few color options — red, black, tan, and olive.
Elite first aid tactical trauma kit offers easy access to the items and leaves more space to customize by adding your own supplies. The backpack, which you can also purchase empty, is constructed from sturdy but lightweight nylon. The material is water-resistant but not waterproof.
It features padded shoulder straps and many zippered compartments for supplies. What’s more, Molle webbing lets you attach other pouches or tools onto the bag’s exterior.
The kit includes over 200 items, perfect for military, law enforcement, first responders, and medics. You can find the complete list of items on the website, but among them, Elite tactical first aid kit features:
- Various bandages (bleed stop, triangle, elastic, knuckle)
- Pads (eye, abdominal)
- Wipes (after bite, antiseptic) and calamine lotion
- Strips (bandage, butterfly) and adhesive tape
- Hemostats, suture sets, and tweezers
- Trauma shears, dressing, and tourniquet
- Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff kit
- Instant ice packs
- Pair of latex gloves and tongue depressors
- Antibiotic packages, ammonia inhalants, and pain relievers
Advice for Choosing the Bag for the Best Tactical First Aid Kit
Purchasing a ready-made trauma kit is cheaper, however, you might have unique needs or want to cater to particular types of injuries more often. It’s also possible that you find none of the available options fulfill your needs and are missing some equipment. Then it’s best to build your own kit.
- You can get any trauma first aid kit from your local pharmacy or online and add to it. That’s a good option, but if you opt for building the best survival medical kit from scratch, you’ll first have to choose the type and size of the bag to fit all the supplies in and easily carry it around.
- Consider your needs. For example, if you spend a lot of time outside and possibly in the rain or water, your bag needs to be waterproof and resistant to elements. If you’re going to walk a lot, it’s easiest if the pouch has comfortable shoulder straps.
- You don’t need a massive bag if you’re building an EDC kit — a simple belt mount, ankle, or leg-wrapping pouch will do.
- Tactical first aid bags with the Molle platform are always a great option. They offer quick access and can be attached to other bags or equipment.
- You could separate the items into a few categories and compartments or individual pouches, boxes, or zip lock bags — such as trauma, bone injuries, chest injuries, personal protective equipment, etc. That way, everything is neatly organized.
- Remember that you have to access the contents speedily and efficiently in case you have to react immediately.
People Also Ask
A tactical kit should consist of reliable life-saving gear packed neatly and compactly for quick access. Since these kits are meant for severe injuries and emergencies, they should include the following:
- Patient assessment tools (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter)
- A good-quality tourniquet (Everlit Survival SOFT-T, SWAT-T)
- Gauze, pressure dressings, and trauma shears
- Burn care
- Chest seals and decompression dressing
- Hemostatic dressing
- Israeli bandage
- Thermal blanket
- Splint
- Airway stabilization tools
- Common over-the-counter medications, antibiotic and allergy medications
A caregiver should also have personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and eye protection.
NAR makes an excellent IFAK kit for one user. It’s called solo IFAK and comes in a rugged, compact pouch that can be mounted onto a belt or vest. In it, you get everything you need:
- to treat minor to severe injuries — irrigation syringe for wounds, bandages, gauze pads, wound closure strips, etc.
- to stop bleeding — a CAT tourniquet
- to deal with shock after blood loss — emergency thermal blanket
- or make a splint for bone injuries — triangular bandage
These are some of the items included, and you’ll also get essential personal protection equipment like Nitrile gloves, polycarbonate eye shields.
Lightning X’s EMS modular medical backpack with an elaborate first aid kit offers everything you need for treating more than one injured person. It’s ideal for keeping in your home or taking it with you on adventures.
It comes with a large number of emergency and survival supplies, including:
- Bandages, dressings, and chest seal
- Wipes, gloves, and masks
- Splints and cold packs
- Sprays and airway kits
- Gauze and band-aids
- Stethoscope and pulse oximeter
- Tourniquet
- Suture set and hemostats
- Thermal blanket
- 2.5-liter hydration bladder, comfortable to wear for a long time and much more
Individual First Aid Kit, or IFAK, is a well-curated emergency kit meant for treating the most common and most dangerous life-threatening injuries until paramedics arrive. That isn’t a standard first aid kit but rather a collection of life-saving equipment.
You can purchase a complete IFAK or build your own. It needs to be portable, accessible in an emergency, and well-organized so you can quickly grab what you need. These kits are usually worn attached to the front of the uniform, on a belt, a bag, or strapped around the leg or ankle.
North American Rescue (NAR) is likely the number one brand for reliable first aid kits, especially for professional use like law enforcement, military, first responders, and medics.
NAR’s goal is to make top-notch equipment for saving lives on the battlefield, as well as on the homefront. Its products are developed and tested following the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines. Military and tactical medics consult in the process to provide you with the most useful life-saving supplies.
NAR’s tactical first aid kit is suited for the most common preventable death causes — bleeding, tension pneumothorax, and airways obstruction.
They’ve compiled critical emergency products, such as CAT tourniquet (Combat Action Tourniquet), HyFin chest seal, ARS needle decompression kit, hypothermia prevention and management kit. Additionally, they constantly develop new products and improve existing ones.