Just because a first aid kit is small doesn’t mean it can’t handle major injuries. While larger medical kits have their place, there’s a lot to be said for the practicality of a compact first aid kit. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of small first aid kits, their purposes, and their limitations.
Some small kits are stocked primarily with band-aids . . . and more band-aids. While band-aids are useful, many people prefer to include life-saving gear as well. This is where “micro” trauma kits come in. These kits are designed to carry versatile tools that can address a wide range of injuries.
We’ll dive into the benefits of a portable first aid kit and explore the essential items to include in a micro first aid or trauma kit.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Small First Aid Kit?
A small first aid kit can come in various forms, and in this article, we’ll explore several types of compact, easily packable first aid kits.
Here are the categories we’ll discuss:
- Travel-sized or backpack-sized portable kits
- IFAKs (Individual First Aid Kits) and kits designed for one person
- EDC (Everyday Carry) first aid kits
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Travel-Sized First Aid Kits (That Fit in Backpacks)
Travel-sized first aid kits are designed to fit inside a backpack, not to fill it completely with first aid supplies. A full backpack of medical gear would fall into the medium-to-large-sized category.
These compact kits are ideal for hiking, road trips, or camping, containing enough supplies for yourself and possibly your family. Although still small, a travel-sized first aid kit may include essential medications and some trauma gear.
For more detailed information on first aid kits specifically designed for backpacking and hiking, check out this article on the ultimate guide to backpacking first aid kits.
This travel-sized kit is the largest among the “small” first aid kits. Now, let’s move on to the next step down.
Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK)
An IFAK is slightly larger than an EDC kit but smaller than a travel or backpack-sized kit. It’s designed to treat one person, which is why it’s called an Individual First Aid Kit. Ideally, everyone on a team should carry an IFAK, even if they aren’t formally trained in emergency medical care. I cover IFAKs in more detail in my guide to IFAKs, but here’s a brief overview.
IFAKs are usually carried on the body, often in a pouch attached to a belt, backpack, or vest. These kits are typically focused on trauma, designed to address life-threatening injuries such as severe bleeding, chest wounds, and airway management. A standard IFAK might include a tourniquet, chest seal, gauze, and gloves. The contents can vary depending on the user’s specific needs.
While IFAKs are invaluable in outdoor, duty, or tactical environments, they’re not something you’d carry to a wedding or for a casual day out (unless you prefer to be prepared for anything!).
Next, let’s discuss the smallest of the small first aid kits: the EDC kit or micro trauma kit.
Everyday Carry (EDC) First Aid Kits
The Everyday Carry (EDC) first aid kit is designed to be carried with you everywhere, in any weather, and at any time. These kits are usually compact and concealable. Let’s talk briefly about this.
The EDC first aid kit can take various forms:
- Ankle medical kits
- Wallet-sized medical kits
- A simple rubber band
These are the three main types of small first aid kits.
Ankle Medical Kits
Ankle medical kits are convenient because they can hold almost as much as an IFAK, yet they’re portable enough to take with you everywhere. They’re an excellent choice for an off-duty EDC kit, especially in the winter or when wearing long pants.
However, there are a few potential downsides to ankle kits:
- Heat: They can get warm in the summer. It’s not unbearable, but it can be noticeable, especially on a hike.
- Bulk: Ankle kits can be a bit bulky, but remember, it’s not 2003, and no one is scrutinizing bell-bottom jeans. There are various ankle kits available, ranging from high-capacity to minimalist, so you can find one that suits your needs.
Now, let’s talk about pocket-sized first aid kits.
Wallet-Sized Medical Kits
Wallet-sized medical kits are designed to fit comfortably in a pocket. These kits typically contain a pack of gauze, a chest seal, and maybe a SWAT-T tourniquet, as they fold neatly.
These kits are perfect for the summertime and can be comfortably worn with shorts. You can also stash one in a purse or tuck it into your car’s glove box. Hide them like Easter eggs—just make sure you remember where they are!
Rubber Band for Small Med Kit
For the ultimate minimalist approach, you can use a small rubber band or pouch to hold together a tourniquet and some gauze. This setup will suffice in emergencies involving severe bleeding.
Tip: Learning to improvise with items reduces the amount of gear you need to carry. Additionally, better medical training will help you become more effective in treating emergencies.
Skills like bleeding control and airway management can be more challenging than they seem, especially in high-stress situations. It’s essential to take the time to practice and prepare.
Now, let’s discuss the items you should include in your small med kit.
What Should I Put in a Pocket First Aid Kit?
When deciding what to include in your small kit, focus on the ABCs: airway, breathing, and circulation/bleeding.
Here’s a list of essential items for your small med kit (lifesaving first):
- Tourniquet (SWAT)
- Gauze (compressed)
- Chest seal (mini)
- Rescue mask (flat)
- Bandana or triangle bandage
- Any other items you need/want
And here are some important but less critical items:
- Aspirin
- Benadryl
- Ibuprofen
- Butterfly band-aids
- Regular band-aids
- Any other items you need/want
You can find these items in my “boo-boo kit”!
Concealing a First Aid Pack
You may want to conceal your EDC first aid kit. It’s not always practical to have a large kit hanging from your belt, especially if you work at a desk job. Some people prefer to keep a low profile. However, medical gear isn’t prohibited by the TSA, schools, or cities (how strange would it be if it were? “Sorry sir, no band-aids allowed”). These days, you can’t be too sure!
The point is, if someone notices you’re carrying an ankle medical kit, it’s no big deal. It’s not illegal, so don’t worry too much about perfect concealment.
EDC First Aid Kit: Philosophy
Some people might think that a small first aid kit should be reserved for less critical items like band-aids and burn cream. While that’s fine, it’s worth considering both perspectives.
For example, if you burn yourself on the stove, it will hurt, but it’s not life-threatening. You’ll have time to walk over to the medicine cabinet and grab some burn cream.
However, if you accidentally cut your hand with a table saw, you have seconds to act. In that situation, would you prefer to have a small pack of insect cream or an effective tourniquet in your pocket?
Consider the scenarios you might encounter. If you want to combine some minor items with more serious gear, that’s perfectly fine.
Final Words
Would you rather have a small first aid kit or no kit at all? That’s where these “micro” kits shine. Yes, we often talk about carrying lots of gear, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Those who have witnessed injuries firsthand understand the value of quality gear and training.
Why carry a small first aid kit? Small first aid kits are like wallets. You don’t carry your entire bank with you; you just carry what you need. That’s the philosophy behind a micro first aid kit—you don’t need the entire ER; you just need a few essential items to get the job done!
If you carry a pocket first aid kit, you’ll develop a habit of always having some essential gear with you. When you grab your car keys, you’ll remember to grab your first aid kit. Yes, knowledge is more important than gear, but having the right gear is still crucial.
Take the time to read up on bleeding control and rescue breathing. Also, consider enrolling in local first aid courses. It’s better to know what to do and not need it than to need it and not know it!
