Restock · Audit · IFAK Maintenance
IFAK Restock
Checklist
You built your IFAK. You carry it everywhere. You trained on the skills. But when was the last time you opened it and checked every item? Not just a quick glance. A real audit. Expiration dates. Packaging integrity. Lot numbers. Functionality checks. Because an IFAK you haven't audited is an IFAK you can't trust.
Complete audit and restock framework. Takes 10 minutes. Could save your life.
Set a recurring reminder on your phone. "Audit IFAK" on the 1st of every quarter. Work through each category systematically. Don't skip anything.
01 — Hemorrhage
Hemorrhage Control
Tourniquets (CAT, SOF-T, etc.)
- Strap integrity (no fraying, cracks, or dry rot)
- Buckle function (opens and closes smoothly)
- Windlass rod (not bent, rotates freely)
- Windlass clip (holds tension, doesn't slip)
- Velcro (holds firmly, doesn't peel easily)
- Expiration date (most TQs good for 5-7 years)
Replace If: Strap cracked/frayed, buckle broken, windlass won't lock, Velcro doesn't hold, past expiration
Priority: CRITICAL — Replace immediately if compromised
Priority: CRITICAL — Replace immediately if compromised
Hemostatic Gauze (QuikClot, Celox, etc.)
- Packaging integrity (no tears, holes, or moisture damage)
- Expiration date (typically 3-5 years from manufacture)
- Gauze texture (should be dry, not clumpy or hardened)
Replace If: Package compromised, past expiration, gauze wet/clumpy/discolored
Priority: CRITICAL — Hemostatic agents degrade over time
Priority: CRITICAL — Hemostatic agents degrade over time
Pressure Bandages (Israeli, OLAES, etc.)
- Packaging integrity (sealed, no tears)
- Elasticity (bandage should stretch and recoil)
- Pressure bar intact (not cracked or broken)
- Expiration date (typically 5 years)
Replace If: Package opened/torn, elastic degraded, pressure bar broken, past expiration
Priority: HIGH — Secondary hemorrhage control
Priority: HIGH — Secondary hemorrhage control
02 — Airway
Airway & Breathing
Chest Seals
CRITICAL priority
NPA
MEDIUM priority
CPR Mask
LOW priority
Chest Seals (Hyfin, Halo, etc.)
- Packaging integrity (foil pouch sealed, no pinholes)
- Adhesive tackiness (should be very sticky through packaging)
- Expiration date (typically 3-5 years)
- Vent function (if vented seals, ensure vent isn't blocked)
Replace If: Pouch compromised, adhesive dry/non-tacky, past expiration, vent blocked
Priority: CRITICAL — Single-use, time-sensitive
Priority: CRITICAL — Single-use, time-sensitive
Nasopharyngeal Airways (NPA)
- Packaging integrity (sealed, no tears)
- Tube flexibility (should be soft and pliable, not brittle)
- Flange intact (not cracked)
- Size marked clearly
- Expiration date (typically 3-5 years)
Replace If: Package compromised, tube hard/brittle/cracked, flange broken, past expiration
Priority: MEDIUM — Long shelf life, but critical for airway
Priority: MEDIUM — Long shelf life, but critical for airway
CPR Mask / Pocket Mask
- Packaging integrity (sealed)
- One-way valve function (blow through it; air should only go one direction)
- Mask material (not cracked or degraded)
- Expiration date (if marked)
Replace If: Valve doesn't function, mask cracked/degraded, package compromised
Priority: LOW — Rarely used in trauma, but important for full-spectrum care
Priority: LOW — Rarely used in trauma, but important for full-spectrum care
03 — PPE
Personal Protection
Nitrile Gloves
- Packaging integrity (sealed, no tears)
- Material condition (not brittle, sticky, or discolored)
- Size marked clearly
- Expiration date (typically 5 years)
Replace If: Package opened/torn, gloves brittle/sticky/torn, past expiration
Priority: HIGH — You won't use bare hands on trauma
Priority: HIGH — You won't use bare hands on trauma
Eye Protection (if included)
- Lens clarity (no scratches, cracks, or clouding)
- Strap/earpiece integrity (not broken)
- Seal around eyes (if goggles, should seal properly)
Replace If: Lens cracked/heavily scratched, straps broken, doesn't seal properly
Priority: MEDIUM — Important for bloodborne pathogen protection
Priority: MEDIUM — Important for bloodborne pathogen protection
04 — Tools
Tools & Miscellaneous
Trauma Shears
MEDIUM priority
Sharpie
LOW priority
Thermal Blanket
MEDIUM priority
Trauma Shears
- Blade sharpness (should cut through denim easily)
- Pivot function (opens and closes smoothly, not loose)
- Lock function (if locking shears, should lock securely)
- No rust or corrosion
Replace If: Blades dull/chipped, pivot loose/stuck, rust present, lock doesn't engage
Priority: MEDIUM — Durable, but can fail with heavy use
Priority: MEDIUM — Durable, but can fail with heavy use
Medical Tape
- Adhesive tackiness (should stick to skin and gauze)
- Roll integrity (not crushed or deformed)
- Expiration date (if marked; tape typically lasts 3-5 years)
Replace If: Tape doesn't stick, roll crushed/deformed, past expiration
Priority: LOW — Not critical for life-saving, but useful
Priority: LOW — Not critical for life-saving, but useful
Sharpie / Marker
- Ink flow (test it; should write clearly)
- Cap sealed (not dried out)
Replace If: Doesn't write, cap is lost (will dry out)
Priority: LOW — But critical for marking tourniquet time
Priority: LOW — But critical for marking tourniquet time
Thermal Blanket / Space Blanket
- Packaging integrity (sealed, no tears)
- Material condition (foil not cracked or peeling)
- Size adequate (should cover full body)
Replace If: Package compromised, foil cracked/peeling, too small for intended patient
Priority: MEDIUM — Hypothermia prevention is important
Priority: MEDIUM — Hypothermia prevention is important
05 — Priority
Restocking By Priority Tier
Tier 1: Restock Within 24 Hours
Items: Tourniquets, Chest seals, Hemostatic gauze, Nitrile gloves
Why: These are your immediate life-saving items. No exceptions.
Tier 2: Restock Within 1 Week
Items: Pressure bandages, NPAs, Trauma shears, Thermal blanket
Why: Important, but you can function without them for a few days.
Tier 3: Restock Within 1 Month
Items: Medical tape, CPR mask, Sharpie, Miscellaneous tools
Why: Quality of life items, not critical for hemorrhage control.
06 — Sources
Where To Source Replacements
Direct From Manufacturer
Examples: North American Rescue (CAT TQs, QuikClot, Hyfin), H&H Medical (Celox), OLAES
Pros: Guaranteed authentic, freshest stock
Cons: Higher cost, slower shipping
Pros: Guaranteed authentic, freshest stock
Cons: Higher cost, slower shipping
Authorized Distributors
Examples: UMG (Urban Medical Gear), Bound Tree Medical, Life Science First Aid
Pros: Authentic products, competitive pricing, fast shipping
Cons: Need to verify authenticity
Pros: Authentic products, competitive pricing, fast shipping
Cons: Need to verify authenticity
Avoid These Sources
Avoid: eBay (high counterfeit risk), Random Amazon sellers, Flea markets/gun shows, Surplus stores
Red Flags: Price significantly below market (TQs under $25), no expiration date marked, packaging looks off (misspellings, poor print quality), seller can't provide lot number or manufacture date
Red Flags: Price significantly below market (TQs under $25), no expiration date marked, packaging looks off (misspellings, poor print quality), seller can't provide lot number or manufacture date
07 — Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
Your IFAK is only as good as your last audit.
Set the reminder. Do the audit. Document everything. Restock by priority. And when you need it — because you will — you'll know every item in that kit will work.
Because "I think it's good" isn't good enough when seconds count.
08 — Restock
IFAK Restock Kits & Components
Individual components and full restock packs, all authentic, all in-date.
Build your loadout · Pouches & Bags · More Guides
Related: shop restock & refill supplies, grab the Fill-PAK IFAK filler kit, or compare kits on our comparison chart.
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