North American Rescue M-FAK

Thanks to Erin, David and several other members of the Blue Collar Prepping crew, I finally got off my butt and did something I've been meaning to do for quite a while and picked up a tourniquet. Actually, that’s incomplete; what I picked up is a North American Rescue M-FAK, or Mini First Aid Kit.

Ever since I decided to add a tourniquet to my preps, I’ve gone back and forth between getting a North American Rescue Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) and a Tactical Medical Solutions Special Operation Forces Tactical Tourniquet (SOFTT.) From what I’ve head, both are very good units with their own pros and cons. 

One of my deciding factors for choosing the CAT is it’s supposed to be easier to self-administer. Another factor is while the M-FAK retails for $74.99 on the North American Rescue website, I was able to get mine at a significantly lower price through work. Hooray for employee discounts!

The M-FAK, Closed and Open

Here’s what the North American Rescue website has to say about this product:

Our most compact, half size First Aid Kit empowering First Responders with the most requested point-of-wounding equipment in the smallest cube space possible.

The M-FAK, North American Rescue's Mini First Aid Kit, was designed to be the most compact, multi-use IFAK for delivering immediate critical care for penetrating, blast or other traumatic injuries. At half the size of our popular T.O.R.K. platform, the M-FAK is currently the smallest platform available in our product offering. Despite its reduced size, this kit comes fully loaded with the critical medical equipment most requested by First Responders operating in the line of duty. Treatment pack out options include Basic, Basic with Combat Gauze and Advanced versions.

The M-FAK’s super compact, 500 Denier nylon bag opens from the side in a clam shell configuration utilizing (2) two main sleeves that open on both ends for easy access and features multiple elastic loops for secure gear organization. The bag’s exterior includes a MOLLE backing for mounting in the standard vertical position as well as a 3 in. internal sleeve for accommodating horizontal attachment to your duty belt. The vertical mount can be set to open left-to-right or right-to-left based on shooter preference, while the horizontal mount on a belt allows opening directly to your C-A-T.® tourniquet. Also included are a loop patch on front of the bag for custom user labeling and (3) three MOLLE strips to attach additional gear such as a TQ/Holder (sold separately) if needed. 

Specs

• NAR's most compact, versatile Mini First Aid Kit
• Contains the First Responder's most requested critical point-of-wounding medical equipment for treating penetrating, blast or other traumatic injuries in the line of duty
• Super compact, rugged nylon platform that allows attachment both vertically (MOLLE backing) and horizontally (3 in. belt loop)
• Clam shell configuration utilizes (2) two main sleeves that open on both ends for easy access
• Multiple elastic loops for secure gear organization
• Vertical mount can be set to open left-to-right or right-to-left based on shooter preference
• Horizontal mount on a belt allows opening directly to your C-A-T.® tourniquet
• Treatment pack out option: BLS (Basic Life Support)
• Half the size of our popular T.O.R.K. platform 

Kit Contents:

• 1 x C-A-T® (Combat Application Tourniquet®) Black
• 1 x 4 in. Flat ETD™
• 1 x S-rolled Gauze (4.5 in. x 4.1 yd)
• 1 x HyFin® Vent Compact Chest Seal, Twin Pack
• 1 x pair Bear Claw® Nitrile Trauma Gloves, lg. 

Dimensions:

• L 6 in. x W 3 in. x D 3 in.
• Weight: 13 oz

M-FAK Contents

The kit is closed by a two-pull zipper so it can be set up to open from either side or somewhere in between, and the pouch has both MOLLE loops as well as a slot for horizontal belt carry.

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The outside panel has the CAT and chest seal; the other has the nitrile gloves, S-rolled gauze, and Emergency Trauma Dressing. Being so small, there’s not a lot of extra space inside, but I’m going to see about adding a few additional items such as Band-Aids and alcohol pads.

I honestly would have preferred almost any other color than black for the pouch, but that’s all the store had in stock. However, since the bag alone runs between $40 and $50 depending on color, I’ll stick with what I have. There is a loop side section for adding a patch. There's only room for one patch, so I had to choose wisely. Happily, I have a patch that not only fits the space perfectly, but is also quite visible.

M-FAK with Patch and Bonus Cat Hair

Due to its small size this will easily fit inside my trainer/range bag without adding much bulk or weight, allowing for ready access at work and home. Funds permitting, I may get another to keep in my car. Going forward, I do intend to get a practice CAT, but that’s future David’s problem.

As has been mentioned elsewhere, be wary of fakes. Even though it might cost a little bit more, it’s better to order directly from the manufacturer and be sure of getting authentic items. Caveat emptor.

Late Breaking News: North American Rescue is having a National Parks Week Sale, 25% off selected items. The sale starts 12:00am ET, April 17th and ends 11:59pm ET, April 25th.