Unlike a standard first aid kit meant for scrapes and minor burns, a GSW Pack (often referred to as an IFAK—Individual First Aid Kit) is purpose-built for massive hemorrhage control. Its contents are streamlined to address the "MARCH" algorithm: Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, and Hypothermia. Essential Components of an Effective Pack
Essential for treating "sucking chest wounds." These occlusive dressings prevent air from entering the chest cavity, which could otherwise lead to a collapsed lung.
Having the gear is only half the battle. Many organizations use GSW Task Trainers to simulate the feeling of packing a wound and applying pressure. Without muscle memory, even the best GSW pack is just a bag of expensive supplies. Why You Should Carry One