MED-TAC International's Individual Bleeding Control Kits provide mission-ready hemorrhage control in a single, purpose-built package. Each kit includes CoTCCC-recommended components — tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, and pressure dressing — sourced from original manufacturers including North American Rescue, Z-Medica, SAM Medical, and PerSys Medical. Suitable for law enforcement, EMS, military, trained civilians, and Stop the Bleed program participants. Every kit ships from Pembroke Pines, FL.
What Is an Individual Bleeding Control Kit and Who Needs One?
An individual bleeding control kit — also called an individual first aid kit (IFAK) or bleeding control (B-Con) kit — is a compact, purpose-built package containing the minimum supplies to control life-threatening external hemorrhage from a single patient. Unlike full IFAKs that include airway and chest trauma components, a bleeding control kit focuses on the "M" (Massive Hemorrhage) phase of MARCH — the intervention with the greatest per-second impact on survival. These kits are designed for: law enforcement officers carrying in a vest or patrol bag; trained civilians staging in a workplace, school, or vehicle; EMS personnel requiring a quick-access bleed control pouch independent of their main kit; and military personnel carrying a supplemental kit for buddy-aid. The American College of Surgeons and Hartford Consensus both support widespread individual bleeding control kit distribution and training.
What Components Make Up a Complete Bleeding Control Kit?
| Component |
Purpose |
CoTCCC-Recommended Products |
| Limb Tourniquet |
Arterial/venous extremity bleeding control |
CAT Gen 7, SAM XT, SOFTT-W |
| Hemostatic Gauze |
Wound packing for non-compressible hemorrhage |
QuikClot Combat Gauze, Celox Gauze, ChitoGauze |
| Pressure Dressing |
Secures wound packing, sustained compression |
Israeli Bandage, OLAES, SWAT-T |
| Nitrile Gloves |
Provider protection, infection control |
Nitrile (latex-free), minimum 2 pair |
| Trauma Shears |
Clothing removal for wound exposure |
Leatherman Raptor, EMT shears |
| Marker |
Tourniquet time documentation |
Sharpie permanent marker |
How Are These Kits Different from Public Access Bleeding Control Kits?
Individual bleeding control kits are configured for a single trained user treating a single patient — compact, portable, and oriented toward self-aid or buddy-aid by someone with Stop the Bleed or TCCC training. Public access bleeding control kits are staged at fixed locations (wall-mount cabinets, AED stations, building entries) for use by any bystander — including the untrained public — and are configured for simplified deployment. Individual kits prioritize compactness and carry options; public access kits prioritize visibility, guided use, and multi-patient capacity. For law enforcement and EMS, an individual kit is carried on-person; for schools and offices, public access kits are wall-mounted. For larger incident response, see the Mass Casualty Incident Active Shooter Kits collection.
What Training Do I Need to Use a Bleeding Control Kit?
The Stop the Bleed program — launched by the White House in 2015 and supported by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma — provides a free, 2-hour course covering tourniquet application, wound packing, and pressure dressing. It is the recommended minimum training for any individual carrying or staging a bleeding control kit. Law enforcement, military, and EMS personnel typically train to TCCC or TECC standards that incorporate more detailed wound management protocols. The key principle applies universally: any training is better than none, and regular practice with your actual kit — not just classroom training — ensures reliable performance when it matters. The Training Kits & Supplies collection includes practice tourniquets and training aids.
Your Personal Bleeding Control Kit Starts Here
CoTCCC-recommended components, sourced direct from the manufacturer — no gray market, no compromised products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum kit for stop-the-bleed capability?+
The absolute minimum stop-the-bleed kit includes three items: one CoTCCC-recommended tourniquet (CAT Gen 7, SAM XT, or SOFTT-W), one hemostatic gauze (QuikClot Combat Gauze or Celox Gauze, Z-fold preferred), and one pressure dressing (Israeli Bandage or OLAES). This combination addresses the two primary hemorrhage scenarios: extremity bleeding requiring tourniquet and cavity/junctional wounds requiring packing and pressure. Adding nitrile gloves and a marker for TQ time documentation rounds out the basic kit. Everything fits in a small pouch weighing under 400 grams.
How do I verify my tourniquet is authentic and not counterfeit?+
Counterfeit tourniquets — particularly CAT Gen 7 replicas — have flooded online marketplaces. Authentic North American Rescue CAT Gen 7 tourniquets include: a holographic security label on the packaging, a specific windlass material and construction quality, and NAR's official packaging with lot number and date of manufacture. Purchase only from authorized distributors — MED-TAC International sources direct from North American Rescue, SAM Medical, and Tactical Medical Solutions. Never purchase medical-grade tourniquets from unknown sellers on third-party marketplaces without verified distributor status. A counterfeit tourniquet that fails during application costs a life.
Can I carry a bleeding control kit in my everyday bag?+
Yes. A minimal bleeding control kit (tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, pressure dressing, gloves) fits in a zippered internal compartment of most everyday bags — the total pack weighs under 200–400 grams. Dedicated EDC (Every Day Carry) pouches designed for this purpose keep supplies organized and prevent tourniquet windlass damage from loose items in your bag. All components in a bleeding control kit are legal to carry in all 50 U.S. states. The key is consistency — carry the same kit in the same location every day so retrieval is automatic under stress.
What is the difference between an individual bleeding control kit and a full IFAK?+
An individual bleeding control kit addresses the "M" (Massive Hemorrhage) phase of MARCH only — it contains tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, and pressure dressing. A full IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) covers all phases of MARCH: Massive hemorrhage (tourniquet, gauze, bandage), Airway (NPA, airway adjuncts), Respirations (chest seal, needle decompression), Circulation (IV supplies, pressure bandages), and Hypothermia/Head injury (hypothermia blanket, head dressings). Full IFAKs are larger and heavier. Individual bleeding control kits are appropriate for everyday carry and public staging; full IFAKs are appropriate for law enforcement and military operational carry.
How do I apply a tourniquet correctly with one hand?+
Single-handed CAT tourniquet application: (1) pre-stage the TQ on your wrist or in an IFAK in a position you can access with one hand; (2) slide the injured limb through the loop — if applying to your own arm, use your teeth or anchor point to pull the strap; (3) position the TQ 2–3 inches above the wound; (4) tighten the band until snug around the limb; (5) turn the windlass clockwise until bleeding stops (two complete rotations is typically sufficient for an adult extremity); (6) lock the windlass in the clip or buckle; (7) write the time on the TQ strap or your skin with a marker. Practice this sequence regularly with your actual TQ — not training aids only.
Related Collections
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
