North American Rescue Individual Aid Kit, Compact Bleeding Control (NIAK-STD)
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review β the North American Rescue Individual Aid Kit Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published North American Rescue specifications and category ...
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Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published North American Rescue specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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North American Rescue Individual Aid Kit, Compact Bleeding Control (NIAK-STD) Overview
The North American Rescue Individual Aid Kit (part NIAK-STD, NAR 85-0404) is a compact, vacuum-packed bleeding-control kit made by North American Rescue, the manufacturer behind the CAT tourniquet and the ETD dressing. It contains a NAR Emergency Trauma Dressing, compressed gauze, petrolatum gauze, gloves, and surgical tape, and it is designed so a non-medically-trained person can begin controlling bleeding and covering a penetrating wound until responders arrive.
As the NAR Individual Aid Kit, this NAR IAK is a genuine, name-brand option. As a compact bleeding control kit it drops in a pocket or glove box, and as an ETD trauma dressing kit in a vacuum-packed first aid kit format it stays protected until you need it. Note that it does not include a tourniquet.
Because it has no tourniquet, pair it with one or a full kit. Compare it against full trauma kits, a general first aid kit, or a vehicle first aid kit, and keep first aid kit refills on hand before ordering.
What This Aid Kit Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Compact / everyday carry | Purpose-built | Vacuum-packed to drop in a pocket, pack, or console. |
| Wound packing and pressure | Strong | ETD plus gauze handle direct pressure and packing. |
| Genuine name-brand gear | Strong | Made by North American Rescue, not a generic clone. |
| Supplementing a larger kit | Strong | Good backup or add-on to a full IFAK with a tourniquet. |
| Arterial limb bleeding | Not sufficient alone | No tourniquet included; add one for limb hemorrhage. |
A bleeding-control kit only helps if it fits the injury and you know how to use it. This compact kit is designed for wound packing and pressure with an ETD dressing and gauze, but it does not include a tourniquet, so for a life-threatening limb bleed add a tourniquet and call emergency services immediately rather than relying on pressure alone. Take a Stop the Bleed or basic first aid course so you can pack a wound and apply the dressing correctly, confirm the exact contents on the listing, check expiration dates, and store the kit out of extreme heat; if you or a patient has a latex allergy, verify the included gloves are nitrile or add your own. Compare options in our best trauma kits and IFAKs guide and the which first aid kit do you need guide.
Pros & Cons
- Genuine North American Rescue components
- Compact, vacuum-packed for EDC and glove boxes
- ETD pressure dressing plus compressed gauze
- Petrolatum gauze for covering penetrating wounds
- Simple enough for non-medically-trained users
- No tourniquet β add one for arterial limb bleeds
- No chest seal or airway like a full IFAK
- Single-use once opened; restock after use
- Requires training to use most effectively
How It Compares
The NIAK-STD is a compact, genuine-NAR bleeding-control kit. Weigh it against the alternatives before ordering:
| Option | Tourniquet | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAR Individual Aid Kit (this page) | No | Compact / vacuum-packed | EDC pressure and wound packing |
| Full IFAK | Yes | MOLLE pouch | Complete trauma response |
| General first aid kit | No | Case | Everyday cuts and scrapes |
Choose the NAR Individual Aid Kit for a compact, name-brand pressure-and-packing kit, a full IFAK when you need a tourniquet and chest seals, or a general kit for minor injuries. See our best trauma kits and IFAKs guide, the best vehicle first aid kits guide, and the best hiking first aid kits guide.
Specifications
| Brand | North American Rescue (NAR) |
| Part Number | NIAK-STD (NAR 85-0404) |
| Type | Compact bleeding-control aid kit |
| Contents | ETD dressing, compressed gauze, petrolatum gauze, gloves, surgical tape (confirm on listing) |
| Tourniquet | Not included β add separately for limb bleeding |
| Packaging | Compact, vacuum-packed for EDC and storage |
Related Guides
best trauma kits and IFAKs, best vehicle first aid kits, which first aid kit do you need, best workplace first aid kits, best hiking first aid kits.
Related Resources
trauma kits first aid kits vehicle first aid kits first aid kit refills
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NAR Individual Aid Kit include a tourniquet?
No. This compact kit focuses on wound packing and pressure dressing and does not include a tourniquet. If you want tourniquet-level bleeding control, add a tourniquet or choose a full IFAK. Many people carry this kit alongside a separate tourniquet.
What is in the NAR Individual Aid Kit?
It contains a NAR Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD), compressed gauze, petrolatum gauze, gloves, and surgical tape, vacuum-packed into a compact pouch. Confirm the current contents on the listing, since NAR occasionally updates kit configurations.
Is this a genuine North American Rescue kit?
Yes. It is made by North American Rescue, the company behind the CAT tourniquet and the ETD dressing. Genuine NAR components are a reason many buyers choose this kit over generic-equipped alternatives.
What is the ETD dressing?
The Emergency Trauma Dressing is NAR's pressure bandage, combining a sterile pad with an elastic wrap and pressure applicator so you can apply firm, direct pressure to a bleeding wound quickly, even one-handed with practice.
What is petrolatum gauze for?
Petrolatum gauze is an occlusive dressing that can be used to help seal certain wounds, such as covering a penetrating injury to limit air entry. Proper use is taught in bleeding-control and first aid courses; get trained before you rely on it.
Who is this kit for?
It suits everyday carry, glove boxes, range bags, and workplaces where you want compact bleeding-control supplies without a full trauma loadout. Its simple contents are meant to be usable by people without formal medical training.
Why is it vacuum-packed?
Vacuum packaging keeps the kit compact and protects the contents from moisture and contamination until you need them. It fits easily in a pocket, pack, or console; once opened, transfer the contents to a pouch if you want repeated access.
Do I need training to use it?
Training is strongly recommended. Wound packing and a pressure dressing are far more effective when applied correctly. A Stop the Bleed or basic first aid course teaches the techniques these supplies are designed for.
Is this enough for a major arterial bleed?
For a life-threatening limb bleed, a tourniquet is the first-line tool, and this kit does not include one. Use this kit for wound packing and pressure, but add a tourniquet for arterial limb bleeding and call emergency services immediately.
Can I refill or add to it?
Yes. You can restock the gauze and dressing as you use them and add items like a tourniquet, chest seal, or gloves to build a fuller kit. Keep everything within its expiration dates and check it periodically.
How should I store it?
Keep it sealed, out of extreme heat, and somewhere you can reach quickly. Heat can degrade adhesives and packaging over time, so check the kit periodically and replace any item that is past its date or damaged.
How does this compare to a full IFAK?
A full IFAK adds a tourniquet, chest seals, and often a pouch and airway, for a broader trauma response. This Individual Aid Kit is smaller and simpler, focused on wound packing and pressure, which makes it a good compact or supplementary option.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from North American Rescue published data. This is general product information, not medical advice. Compare the range in trauma kits.
WC Safety is an independent PPE review site and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the kit to your needs, get trained, and follow professional medical guidance in an emergency.
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