Understanding injuries and their treatment is crucial for survival in Escape from Tarkov. From minor cuts to severe fractures, knowing how to manage your health can mean the difference between a successful raid and a frustrating loss. This guide breaks down each injury type, its effects, and the best medical items to use for swift recovery.
Common Injury Types and Their Effects
Escape from Tarkov features a detailed health system where specific body parts can sustain damage. Each limb has its own health pool, and damage to a limb can cause various effects:
- Bleeding (Light/Heavy): Causes continuous health loss. Light bleeding is less severe, while heavy bleeding drains health rapidly.
- Fracture: Sificantly reduces movement speed and accuracy for the affected limb. Can also cause pain.
- Pain: A general debuff that can reduce overall stamina regeneration and accuracy, even without a specific limb injury.
- Concussion: Affects vision, causing screen blur and disorientation.
- Contusion: Similar to concussion, impacting vision and potentially causing tremors.
- Blacked Out Limb: A limb with zero health is considered blacked out, rendering it useless and causing significant penalties.
Medical Items and Their Uses
Different medical items are designed to treat specific injuries. It's essential to carry several these into raids:
| Item | Treats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Splint (e.g., Aluminum Splint, Plastic Splint) | Fractures | Takes time to apply, prevents further damage to the fractured limb. |
| Tourniquet (e.g., AI-2 Kit, Tourniquet) | Heavy Bleeding | Stops heavy bleeding instantly but can cause pain. |
| Bandage (e.g., Elastic Bandage, Gauze) | Light Bleeding | Quick to apply, stops light bleeding. |
| Painkillers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Analgin) | Pain | Temporarily removes pain effects, allowing for better movement and aim. |
| Medical Kits (e.g., IFAK, AFAK, Salewa) | Multiple Injuries | Can treat various injuries, including bleeding, fractures, and pain. Some also heal HP. |
| CMS Kit (Combat Medical Splint) | Blacked Out Limbs | Restores a blacked-out limb to 1 HP, but requires a significant application time. |
| Propital, Golden Star Balm | Hydration, Energy, Pain | Provide multiple buffs, including pain relief and stat boosts. |
Strategic Medical Management
Prioritize treating heavy bleeding first, as it can quickly kill you. Then, address fractures to regain mobility. Painkillers are vital for maintaining combat effectiveness after taking damage. Always check your character's health screen (default 'H') to see which limbs are injured and what effects they have. Carrying a CMS kit is a lifesaver for critical limb situations, but be aware of its long animation. For longer raids, consider bringing multiple medical items or a high-tier medical kit like the AFAK or Sanitar's Medical Bag.