Emergencies happen when we least expect them. While you wait for help to arrive, it's beneficial if someone knows first aid or can provide basic assistance. IFAK stands for "individual first aid kit," and you don't need to be an emergency responder to have one. Here are five reasons why everyone should have an IFAK.
1. Motor Vehicle Accidents Happen
From slips and falls to collisions, accidents can happen anytime. According to Finance Buzz, 58% of people have emergency supplies in their cars. Such supplies come in handy, as a car accident can result in major trauma for one or several people. That trauma can happen to someone who needs to be pulled to safety after impact or a pedestrian that was hit. With an IFAK in your car or backpack, you can be ready and prepared in case you or someone in public is the victim of such an accident. While emergency services will likely be called, time is of the essence when it comes to treating serious injuries.
2. Heart Issues Are Prevalent
According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans regardless of their racial or ethnic group, and the EPA cites that one in three Americans have some form of cardiovascular issue. Having an IFAK can come in handy in the event of a heart attack. The kit includes pain relievers, such as Aspirin (to help prevent blood from clotting), and a CPR face shield should the person experiencing the heart attack stop breathing.
3. Children May Hurt Themselves
If you have a child, you understand how active they are. Unfortunately, children often lack coordination, which can lead to falls, scrapes, and bruises. In worst-case scenarios, your child may break a bone, pull a muscle, or have a bad cut. If your child suffers a serious injury that results in bleeding, your medical kit can help. Your IFAK has medical-grade bandages and butterfly closure strips that can help stop the bleeding and protect the wound until you can get your child to a medical professional.
4. Some Areas Are Further Away From Medical Centers
If you live in a rural area or you're traveling somewhere more remote with medical centers that are further away compared to those in urban areas, it can be beneficial to have an IFAK on hand in the event of an emergency. Some areas are so small that the nearest hospital may actually be in the next town over, and it may take longer than you'd like to receive medical attention.
5. Natural Disasters Can Be Dangerous
From earthquakes to brush fires to floods resulting from hurricanes, a natural disaster can strike an American city or town at any time. When these disasters happen, they can cause devastating losses in people's homes and businesses. Worst of all, they can result in injuries that need immediate care.
Unfortunately, when these disasters happen, emergency resources may not be able to respond right away as they too may be held back by inclement weather. In the meantime, you may have to tend to yourself and your family. Depending on the extent of the disaster, such as a higher-category hurricane, it could take several days for emergency help to arrive. In such a situation, having an IFAK can help save a life until help arrives. If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, brush fires, hurricanes, or snow squalls or storms, you may want to have a kit on hand in your home or car.
Anyone can become injured, and emergencies are often unexpected. An IFAK can help you be as prepared as possible, so you can feel confident knowing you can help protect your family, friends, and even your neighbors should the need arise. If you're looking for a high-quality IFAK, Elite First Aid, Inc is there for you. We offer a range of different IFAK products to suit your needs, from tactical kits to kits for the general population and everything in between. For more information about our medical kits and other products, don't hesitate to reach out to our team today! We'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have for us.