The individual first aid kit is a one-pound pouch utilized by US troops to provide lifesaving care for combat wounds.

An individual first aid kit is an important element of any soldier’s uniform. Designed to be easy to carry but flexible enough to respond to various emergency situations, American service members have used this combat-tested equipment to provide immediate aid on the battlefield.

When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February, our local partners identified a need to rapidly outfit soldiers and civilian volunteers with first aid kits. We responded by providing the same US-made, military-grade medical supplies that our own soldiers use to our partners on the ground in Ukraine. Our work is directly saving Ukrainian lives in their fight for freedom and democracy.

Our donated first aid kits meet the tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) standard which includes:

• TCCC Card – A record of medical care administered before evacuation. These cards are waterproof, tear-resistant, and foldable. These cards are translated into Ukrainian for the kits we provide.
• Medical gloves (2) – Latex one-size-fits-all gloves.
• Chest seal – An adhesive device that prevents air from entering a penetrating wound.
• Hemostatic wound dressing – Chemical compounds that stop blood loss when applied to a wound.
• Nasopharyngeal airway – A tube designed to be inserted into the nose to enable breathing.
• Elastic bandage – A stretchable bandage used to apply pressure on a wound.
• Combat application tourniquet – A band that can be tied around a limb to stop the flow of blood to a wound.
• Israeli bandage – A three-in-one first-aid device that serves as an initial bandage, pressure applicator, and secondary bandage. Designed to be easily self-wrapped.

Whenever a life-threatening injury occurs, these items can be used to stop bleeding, treat open wounds, and open up airways for easier breathing. On the battlefield, a simple item like a tourniquet can mean the difference between life and death.

Since April we have delivered 20,640 first aid kits into the hands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilian volunteers. With a donation of $142, Spirit of America will outfit a Ukrainian soldier with an individual first aid kit. Join us in taking Ukraine’s side by giving a gift to protect a Ukrainian soldier.