Inventory – Make sure all required/applicable equipment is in the kit.

Seals and wrappers – Items with broken or unsealed wrappers should be replaced. If an item was vacuum sealed tightly when issued and is no longer sealed upon inspection, it should be replaced.

Check expiration dates – Medications and many medical-grade materials such as hemostatic dressings have an expiration date and lot number. Check all medications and medical-grade items for expiration date and replace if expired or the expiration date does not exceed your expected deployment timeframe. Generally, items such as tourniquets do not have an expiration date, but check to ensure the devices are approved by the DoD Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, are serviceable, and reflect the current generation (have not been replaced with a newer model, etc.).

BEWARE OF UNAPPROVED EQUIPMENT! Only a few items within the JFAK require specific recommendation from the CoTCCC. CoTCCC recommendations are based on scientific studies, evidence-based medicine, field-use testing, and lessons learned from the battlefield. Always check to ensure your kits are stocked only with CoTCCC-recommended/approved items and beware of unapproved equipment.

BEWARE OF FAKES! There are fraudulent manufacturers around the world that produce fake, misleading, or substandard pieces of medical equipment, especially those used in the JFAK (tourniquets and hemostatic dressings).

Check unit-specific evacuation equipment. Litters should be inspected for proper functioning and serviceability; litter straps should be checked for locking functions and placement; special evacuation equipment should be checked in accordance with manufacturers’ or unit guidelines/standards.