A local volunteer coordinator has put me up for a few days in Lviv while I get organized, source a few more supplies, and prepare for my trip East. The first order of business is building Individual First Aid Kits (otherwise known as an iFak. Each soldier should carry one for treatment supplies in the event that they are injured. In the case of the war in Ukraine… everyone should carry one because anyone is a potential target (missile attacks on churches on Easter Sunday, maternity hospitals, schools, etc.).

These kits are to be used on the casualty that is wearing it… last year I had an instance of using mine on a casualty with the intention of then keeping theirs for myself. This is a big no-no because you never know if theirs is lacking what you might need to use on yourself down the line. This was a tough one for me to swallow… ensuring that you can tend to yourself at the expense of potentially saving someone else. As such, I’ll be trying to supply those around me with adequate iFaks… but there is a cost associated with this.

Each kit contains:
1 iFak pouch (molle system)
1 pair trauma shears (scissors)
2 tourniquets (in case of a failure or if there is multi-limb trauma
2 compressed gauze (occlusive thoracic)
1 medical grade elastic compression wrap (tensor)
1 thermal blanket
1 nasopharyngeal airway
1 hemostatic compression bandage (
2 sterile dressings
1 waterproof marker
1 pkg burn gel and wrap
1 pair nitrile gloves
2 chest seals
1 Isreali bandages

Ideally, these would also include a decompression needle to treat a pneumothorax (compressed lung) and other items but… beggars can’t be choosers. Medics are typically equipped with a backpack or a “Rukzak” with a larger supply of the above and airway and IV supplies. Each iFak costs about $100 to construct and I’m thankful to those that have donated funds or supplies to help me get these to those that need them most.