Tactical Medical Equipment & Trauma GearThe Complete Australian Guide
From tourniquets and trauma shears to IFAKs and tactical medical kits—everything you need to be mission-ready. Curated by registered paramedics for Australian first responders.
Types of Tactical Medical Equipment
Tourniquets
Tourniquets are the single most critical piece of equipment for controlling life-threatening extremity haemorrhage in tactical and pre-hospital environments. Modern tactical tourniquets like the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) and SOF Tactical Tourniquet (SOFTT) are designed for rapid one-handed application, making them essential for self-aid and buddy-aid scenarios.
The DNIPRO TMT (Tactical Medical Tourniquet) represents the latest generation of tourniquet technology, featuring an innovative fast-access pouch design that allows for deployment in under 3 seconds. Australian paramedics and first responders should carry at least two tourniquets in their tactical medical kit, as bilateral extremity injuries are common in trauma scenarios.
Trauma Shears
Professional-grade trauma shears are essential for rapid patient assessment and treatment. Unlike standard scissors, tactical trauma shears are engineered to cut through clothing, leather, denim, seat belts, and even light metal without compromising patient safety. The blunted tip design prevents accidental injury during clothing removal in high-stress environments.
The Leatherman Raptor is the gold standard multi-tool trauma shear, integrating six essential functions including a strap cutter, ring cutter, ruler, and oxygen tank wrench. For pure cutting power, the X-Shear offers industrial-strength performance with carbide-coated blades. The innovative ONE SHEAR Tier 1 Elite takes functionality further by incorporating a built-in oxygen bottle opener, addressing a common pain point for Australian paramedics working with D-size oxygen cylinders.
Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) & Trauma Kits
An Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) is a compact, mission-specific medical kit designed for immediate trauma intervention. Unlike comprehensive first aid kits, IFAKs focus exclusively on treating the three leading causes of preventable death in tactical environments: massive haemorrhage, airway obstruction, and tension pneumothorax.
A properly configured IFAK should contain tourniquets, haemostatic gauze, pressure dressings, chest seals, nasopharyngeal airways, and decompression needles. The MyMedEquip Tactical Trauma Kit is purpose-built for Australian conditions and includes all essential components in a MOLLE-compatible pouch that can be mounted on tactical vests, belts, or vehicle interiors.
Splints & Immobilisation Equipment
Tactical splinting equipment must balance effectiveness with portability. The TraumaFix Traction Splint is specifically designed for femoral fractures, providing mechanical traction to reduce pain, prevent further soft tissue damage, and minimise blood loss. This compact device is significantly lighter than traditional Hare or Sager splints while maintaining clinical effectiveness.
Pelvic fractures represent one of the most lethal trauma injuries, with mortality rates exceeding 40% when associated with haemodynamic instability. The TraumaFix Tactical Pelvic Splint provides circumferential compression to reduce pelvic volume, tamponade bleeding, and stabilise fracture fragments. This device is an essential component of any tactical medical cache or ambulance trauma kit.
Haemostatic Agents & Wound Packing
Haemostatic agents are critical for controlling junctional haemorrhage in areas where tourniquets cannot be applied, such as the groin, axilla, and neck. Modern haemostatic gauze contains kaolin or chitosan compounds that accelerate the body's natural clotting cascade, achieving haemostasis in as little as 3 minutes when combined with direct pressure.
Proper wound packing technique is essential for haemostatic agent effectiveness. The gauze must be packed directly into the bleeding source with sustained pressure for a minimum of 3 minutes. Australian paramedics should be trained in tactical wound packing procedures and carry sufficient haemostatic gauze for multiple casualty scenarios.
Tourniquets
How They Work // How to Use Them Effectively
Download our comprehensive guide to tourniquet application for Australian paramedics and first responders. This resource covers the biomechanics of arterial occlusion, step-by-step application techniques, and evidence-based protocols for managing life-threatening extremity haemorrhage in pre-hospital settings.
Building Your IFAK
An effective Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) is built around the principle of treating immediate life threats in order of lethality. The MARCH PAWS protocol provides a systematic approach to tactical trauma care and should guide your equipment selection.
Essential IFAK Components
Massive Haemorrhage Control
2x CAT or SOFTT tourniquets, haemostatic gauze, pressure dressings
Airway Management
Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), lubricant, recovery position aids
Respiration & Breathing
Chest seals (vented), decompression needle (if trained)
Circulation
IV access equipment (if credentialed), fluid resuscitation capability
Hypothermia Prevention
Emergency blanket, heat packs, casualty wrap
Critical Considerations for Australian Paramedics
- •Ensure all equipment is within expiry dates and regularly inspected
- •Practice equipment deployment in low-light and high-stress conditions
- •Maintain proficiency with all equipment through regular training
- •Consider environmental factors (heat, humidity, dust) when selecting equipment
Tourniquet Selection Guide
Selecting the right tourniquet is a critical decision that can mean the difference between life and death. Here is a comparison of the leading tactical tourniquets available to Australian paramedics and first responders.
| Feature | CAT Gen 7 | SOFTT-Wide | DNIPRO TMT |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Handed Application | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windlass Design | Single routing | Double routing | Enhanced single |
| Application Time | ~30 seconds | ~25 seconds | ~20 seconds |
| Weight | 85g | 95g | 82g |
| Fast Access Pouch | Optional | Optional | Integrated |
| Best For | General use, proven reliability | Larger limbs, extended wear | Rapid deployment, tactical ops |
Recommendation for Australian Paramedics
All three tourniquets meet Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) recommendations and are proven effective in clinical use. The CAT Gen 7 remains the gold standard due to extensive field testing and widespread adoption. The SOFTT-Wide excels for bariatric patients or when applied over thick clothing. The DNIPRO TMT offers the fastest deployment time and is ideal for tactical medical teams requiring immediate access.
MARCH PAWS Protocol Poster
Download our high-resolution A3 poster featuring the complete MARCH PAWS tactical trauma assessment framework. Perfect for ambulance stations, training rooms, or tactical medical caches. Print-ready PDF optimised for Australian pre-hospital protocols.
Trauma Assessment Protocols
Systematic trauma assessment protocols ensure that life-threatening injuries are identified and treated in order of priority. Australian paramedics should be proficient in both MARCH PAWS (tactical environments) and ABCDE (clinical settings) approaches.
MARCH PAWS Protocol
The MARCH PAWS protocol is specifically designed for tactical and austere environments where traditional ABCDE assessment may not be appropriate due to ongoing threats or resource limitations.
PAWS extension: Pain management, Antibiotics, Wounds, Splinting
ABCDE Approach
The ABCDE approach remains the standard for systematic trauma assessment in controlled clinical environments and is taught in EMST and ATLS courses.
Standard approach for hospital and ambulance settings
Featured Tactical Equipment
ONE SHEAR Tier 1 Elite
Innovative trauma shears with built-in oxygen bottle opener
DNIPRO Fast Access Pouch
Deploy your tourniquet in under 3 seconds
TraumaFix Traction Splint
Lightweight femoral fracture management
Related Resources
MARCH PAWS Tactical Trauma Assessment Framework Explained
A complete breakdown of the tactical trauma assessment methodology used by Australian paramedics.
The Trauma Triangle of Death: Understanding the Lethal Triad
Understanding the lethal triad of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy in trauma care.
ONE SHEAR Review: The Innovative Trauma Shears with Built-In Oxygen Bottle
In-depth review of the ONE SHEAR trauma shears designed specifically for Australian paramedics.
IMIST-AMBO Handover: The Complete Guide for Australian Paramedics
Master the structured handover format used across Australian ambulance services.
Ready to Build Your Tactical Medical Kit?
Explore our complete range of professional-grade tactical medical equipment, trauma kits, and paramedic gear. All products are selected by registered Australian paramedics.