Watch The Video
In this guide, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of how to properly organize a first aid kit for optimal response in high-stress situations. Whether you’re running a MyFAK Mini, the standard MyFAK, or the Recon from My Medic, having an organized and intuitive system can save critical seconds in an emergency.
The Concept of Tiers
The idea is to divide your kit into three functional tiers:
- Tier 1 – Immediate Response (M.A.R.C.H.): This tier handles traumatic injuries like massive bleeding, airway compromise, respiratory issues, and hypothermia. Tools here include tourniquets, hemostatic gauze, chest seals, NPAs, CPR shields, and emergency blankets.
- Tier 2 – Wound Management: Focused on cuts, scrapes, burns, and minor injuries. Think bandages, wound wash, antiseptics, ZZips (improvised sutures), burn gel, and blister mods.
- Tier 3 – Meds & Essentials: This includes medications, hydration aids, splints, tweezers, tape, paracord, and more.
Understanding M.A.R.C.H.
At the heart of Tier 1 response is the M.A.R.C.H. algorithm—a proven system used by military medics and emergency professionals to assess and treat trauma in order of urgency. This framework helps prioritize life-threatening conditions in the field, especially when seconds count.
M.A.R.C.H. stands for:
- M – Massive Hemorrhage: Control bleeding with tourniquets, pressure dressings, and hemostatic gauze.
- A – Airway: Ensure the airway is clear. Use chin lifts, NPAs, or recovery position as needed.
- R – Respirations: Treat for sucking chest wounds with chest seals and monitor for tension pneumothorax.
- C – Circulation: Check for pulse and perform a full body sweep for secondary injuries.
- H – Hypothermia: Prevent body heat loss with emergency blankets or heat-reflective materials.
Each letter in M.A.R.C.H. reflects a critical checkpoint when dealing with trauma—starting with the most immediately life-threatening: bleeding. These priorities also help guide what goes in your Tier 1 section, ensuring the right tools are front and center.
This image outlines the M.A.R.C.H. assessment in detail. It’s an excellent visual to review and reference as you set up your first aid kit. Practice it. Memorize it. Your preparedness starts here.
Kit-by-Kit Breakdown
MyFAK
While beautifully designed with color-coded compartments, the MyFAK isn't perfectly laid out for emergencies. Items like chest seals and CPR masks are scattered, often placed under Tier 2, when they belong in Tier 1.
Keep the most important items outside the kit—especially your tourniquet, EMT shears, and Sharpie. These should be immediately accessible.
Recon Kit
The Recon offers two large front pouches—ideal for storing Tier 1 gear. Keep emergency pressure dressings, tourniquets (unwrapped and ready), and QuikClot here. Bandages and Tier 2 items should move to the internal cavity.
MyFAK Mini
The MyFAK Mini is compact but can still hold all three tiers if packed smartly. Start by dumping everything out and sorting:
- Tier 1: Hemostatic dressing, RATS or CAT tourniquet (preferably mounted outside), chest seals (two minimum), emergency blanket, gloves, CPR shield, and NPAs.
- Tier 2: Wound wash, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointments, gauze, bandages, ZZips, and blister kits.
- Tier 3: Tape, hydration packs, splints, burn gel, paracord, and optional eyewash and medications.
Tips for Maximum Efficiency
- Unwrap gear like tourniquets and compressed gauze. Make them ready for instant use.
- Label or memorize where each item lives. When adrenaline spikes, you won’t want to hunt.
- Train with what you pack. Knowing where and how to use your gear is as important as owning it.
Extras Worth Including
- Improvised chest seal materials like airtight packaging and duct tape
- Decompression needles—only if trained
- Water purification tablets and a collapsible water bottle
Final Thoughts
Don’t just own a first aid kit—get intimate with it. Know it inside and out, keep it stocked, and most importantly, get trained. In an emergency, preparation meets performance. Be the person who’s ready.