EDC (Everyday Carry, that which is always at hand) can vary a bit depending on circumstances and carry options.
General categories:
- Personal items
- FAKs
- Tools & equipment
- Self-defense
- Communication
- Water/food
There are other elements, and some of the above elements may not be included in some EDC configurations. (For example: EDC included only in clothing worn is going to be more limited than an EDC bag/backpack.)
For this post, I want to deal briefly with one essential element: First Aid Kits.
There are three basic levels of EDC FAKs:
Bare “stop the bleed” kits focused on THE one most likely life-threatening need for first aid: bleeding. Tourniquet, gauze impregnated with blood clotting agent, bandages, etc. VERY small pack. Specialized, so it’s limited, by design. In a pocket in worn clothing, so ALWAYS available.
General, basic FAK with anti-biotic cream, pain relievers, “Israeli Bandage and more tourniquets, etc. – just more general first aid materials and equipment (scissors a good add, for example). This, much larger kit clipped to (or Molle—attached to) a medium-sized backpack with full EDC loadout. I usually keep one in each of our vehicles along with a separate roadside emergency kit.
Mini trauma kit: Expanded FAK including splints for skeletal injuries, sprains, etc., more med supplies (mainly for pain), pre-made (temporary!)sutures of various kinds for open wounds, and much more. Not a full EMT loadout, but not all that far off. One in each vehicle.
Key: what can I get to most quickly and easily in an unexpected situation. If a gunshot or stab wound is involved, I’d want one of the car kits immediately. If just a quickly dealt with arterial wound on an extremity, what’s in my pocket with almost certainly stop the bleeding quickly in most cases.
Other injuries? Need the full FAK or mini trauma kit.
Now, suppose you injure yourself while alone. Have you practiced bleed stop (or other procedures) one-handed? With your non-dominant hand? You MUST practice! And practice at though you are on your own and injured.
Note: what you carry in your FAKs should be influenced by your circumstances. Do you have meds you might need in an emergency? Pack those (and replace them pretty regularly). What kinds of environments will you be in and how do environmental factors affect what you should carry (applies to all EDC contents). What are your daily expected activities? What are some abnormal circumstances you can reasonably imagine?
Think about what you might need, the space you expect to use, and there sources you can afford. Max those as much as you can.
And practice, practice, practice.