The Combat Lifesaver provides not only an additional level of medical training but also additional equipment. Some of the equipment in a CLS kit mirrors those items in the individual’s JFAK (tourniquets, dressings and bandages, chest seals, etc.). As you know, or will learn, casualties often suffer multiple injuries and require more equipment than they carry in their own JFAK, and the CLS kit supports that requirement.

In addition to the items previously highlighted, the CLS kit also typically has active and/or passive hypothermia prevention kits, additional supplies for wound care, as well as splints and cravats for fracture stabilization. There is more variability in the CLS kit than the JFAK, based on unit- and Service-specific considerations.

As a reminder, when treating a casualty (providing combat lifesaver or medic-level aid), use the items that are in the casualty’s JFAK first.

It is important to understand the potential operational impact of a heavy fighting load, which can be compounded by the weight of the CLS bag (or the Combat Medic/Corpsman aid bag). This must be considered when packing medical equipment and every effort made to reduce excess weight as much as possible without compromising casualty care.