IFAK First Aid Kit and LC2 Loadout Medical Box
This time around, it's all about the U.S. Army's active duty IFAK First Aid Kit and LC2 Loadout System Medical Box.
FAK
Looking first at the IFAK, IFAK stands for Improved First Aid Kit. Its appearance is that of a modified 100-round chain pack, with a MOLLE system module strip on the back that allows it to be mounted on any loadout that has a Molle platform (i.e. combat undershirt, backpack, etc.).
The First Aid Kit comes in two packages, inner and outer, connected by an elastic cord. It ensures that it won't get lost on a crisis-ridden battlefield. Already visible is the screw-on tourniquet that rests on the outside of the inner package.
The inner package unfolds and all items are included. The full contents include an oro-nasal cannula (for emergency ventilation in the event of an obstructed airway injury), disposable rubber gloves, dressings, bandages, ointment and a screw-on tourniquet. As a symbol of the military version of the materiel, the storage and contract numbers are of course essential, and the inner and outer packages are labeled with acetate paper.
LC2 MEDICAL CASE
Take another look at the LC2 Medical Case. This piece of man-portable first aid equipment has equipped the U.S. Army since the Vietnam War, and while the outer packaging has changed from its original canvas to nylon, the contents have never changed significantly. Two LC2 medical boxes from different batches, take a look at the differences. Both have OD-colored nylon cloth exteriors, the first difference that can be seen is that the medical logo oil print on the left side is darker and smaller, while the logo on the right side is larger and lighter, and the color of the exterior is a bit darker on the right side.
On the back, the LC2 uses the A.L.I.C.E (All-purpose Lightweight Improved Carrying Equipment) standard modular mount. As such there are also ALICE clips on the back for mounting on other ALICE system carriers. This standard modular carrier standard was not phased out of active service until the introduction of the MOLLE.
One of them. Upon opening it there is a sheet of paper with some simple first aid printed on it in addition to the medical box. The contents of the medical box, including a Band-Aid, skin antiseptic (a mercury-containing antiseptic, presumably similar to red potion), dressings, OD-colored bandages, an eye mask for eye injuries and a lip balm.
The other. Also contains a sheet of paper with general first aid information, except it seems that the contents of the paper are a little different. The contents of the first aid kit, compared to the last one, have a packet of band-aids that seem to be different, and the skin disinfectant has been replaced with rubbing alcohol tablets.