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The Importance of Medical Kits in Your Everyday Carry

medical kit

Everyday carry doesn’t just mean a firearm

In an era of increasing natural disasters, mass terror attacks, and other unforeseen emergencies, being prepared is no longer optional – it is essential. One of the most overlooked yet crucial items for preparedness is a medical kit as part of your everyday carry (EDC). The California wildfires and recent attacks provide a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike and why having basic medical supplies on hand can make a critical difference.

Our team at Guerrilla Tactical is going to break down exactly why you should have a medical kit!

The Reality of Modern Disasters and Mass Attacks

The California wildfires have become an all-too-frequent phenomenon, wreaking havoc on lives, homes, and infrastructure. In the chaos of an evacuation or a sudden emergency, medical attention may not be immediately available. Roads can become impassable, emergency services may be overwhelmed, and the ability to address even minor injuries can mean the difference between a manageable situation and a life-threatening one.

Aside from that, we have witnessed several mass attacks in the last few weeks. One of them being in Las Vegas, where a bomber blew himself up inside of a Tesla Cybertruck, and the other taking place in New Orleans where a man drove his truck through a crowd, killing and injuring dozens of people.

During these events, people are often exposed to burns, smoke inhalation, cuts, blunt force trauma, and abrasions while attempting to escape or assist others. In the case of the wildfires, those with pre-existing medical conditions may also face exacerbated symptoms due to the heavy smoke and ash. Having a well-stocked medical kit in your EDC ensures that you can address these issues immediately and effectively.

What Should an EDC Medical Kit Include?

tourniquet

An EDC medical kit doesn’t need to be bulky to be effective. Here are some essential items to consider:

  1. Trauma Supplies: Items like gauze, bandages, tourniquets, and medical tape can help control bleeding from cuts or more serious injuries.
  2. Burn Care: Include burn gel and sterile non-stick dressings to address burns, a common injury in wildfire situations.
  3. Respiratory Aids: A simple N95 mask can protect you from inhaling harmful particulates, and an inhaler (if prescribed) is critical for those with respiratory conditions.
  4. Basic First Aid: Adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment are essential for treating minor cuts and abrasions.
  5. Medications: Pain relievers, antihistamines, and personal medications should always be included.
  6. CPR Mask: This can be invaluable in providing life-saving care in emergencies.
  7. Tools: Small scissors, tweezers, and gloves ensure you can work safely and efficiently.
  8. Emergency Blanket: Compact and lightweight, this can provide warmth or protection from the elements.

Our Favorite Medical Kit

importance of a medical kit

Our team at Guerrilla Tactical has tried and tested many different medical kits, and eventually we crafted our own with what we think to be the perfect amount of supplies, and that is the Guerrilla Tactical Trauma Kit (GTTK). Specifically designed to address gunshot and knife-inflicted stab wounds, this user-friendly IFAK contains essential components to control and stop severe bleeding during trauma incidents. Our kits are carefully assembled to meet all aspects of the MARCH protocol—Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, and Head Injury/Hypothermia.

Contents include:

Gloves

4″ ETD Trauma Dressing

QuikClot Combat Gauze

HyFin Compact Chest Seal Twin Pack

Wound Packing Gauze

4″ Elastic Wrap Bandage

Nasal Trumpet

CAT 7 Tourniquet

Mini Sharpie

Emergency Blanket

Fox Eye Shield

Trauma Shears

Why Everyday Carry?

While many people relate everyday carry to having a firearm on you, the concept of EDC revolves around preparedness for any situation, and emergencies don’t always provide warnings. Keeping a medical kit with you at all times means you’re ready to respond, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the road. A medical kit in your car or bag can also benefit others around you, turning you into a resource in moments of crisis.

Lessons from the California Wildfires and Mass Attacks

The California wildfires have taught us several critical lessons:

  1. Speed is Critical: Evacuations can happen in an instant, leaving no time to assemble supplies. Pre-packed kits save valuable time.
  2. Self-Reliance is Key: Emergency services can take hours or even days to reach affected areas. Your own preparedness can fill the gap.
  3. Adaptability Saves Lives: A compact medical kit allows you to address various injuries and conditions, making you more adaptable in a crisis.

Conclusion

Medical kits should be an integral part of your everyday carry, especially in today’s world of increasing disasters. The California wildfires serve as a powerful example of why being prepared is not just a personal responsibility but a societal one. By equipping yourself with a well-stocked EDC medical kit, you’re not only safeguarding your own health but also potentially saving the lives of others. Preparedness is peace of mind, and in emergencies, it is the foundation of survival.

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