Medical items are your lifeline in Escape from Tarkov. From minor cuts to critical blacked-out limbs, understanding the full spectrum of medical supplies, their uses, and how to employ them effectively can mean the difference between a successful extraction and a frustrating death. This guide covers the essential medical items you'll need.
Basic Wound Treatment (Bleeding)
Bleeding is a common injury that causes continuous health loss. It comes in two forms:
- Light Bleeding: Drains health slowly. Can be treated with bandages.
- Heavy Bleeding: Drains health rapidly and can quickly lead to death. Requires a tourniquet or a high-tier medical kit.
Common Items for Bleeding:
- Bandages (e.g., Elastic Bandage, Gauze): Quick to apply, stops light bleeding.
- Tourniquets (e.g., AI-2 Kit, Tourniquet): Instantly stops heavy bleeding but can cause pain.
Fracture and Pain Management
Fractures severely impact mobility and accuracy, while pain can cause general debuffs. These often occur from falls or heavy damage.
Common Items for Fractures and Pain:
- Splints (e.g., Aluminum Splint, Plastic Splint): Takes time to apply but restores limb function and stops further damage from fractures.
- Painkillers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Analgin, Propital): Temporarily removes pain effects, allowing for better movement and aiming. Propital also restores energy and hydration.
Comprehensive Medical Kits
These kits offer several treatments and are often the most efficient way to manage multiple injuries.
| Medical Kit | Treats | HP Healed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI-2 Kit | Light Bleeding, Pain | 35 HP | Basic kit, good for early game. |
| IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) | Light/Heavy Bleeding, Pain | 60 HP | A staple for most raids. |
| Salewa Medical Kit | Light/Heavy Bleeding, Pain, Fractures | 60 HP | Can also treat fractures if you have a splint. |
| AFAK (Advanced First Aid Kit) | Light/Heavy Bleeding, Pain, Fractures | 80 HP | Improved IFAK, heals more HP. |
| ETG Medkit | Light/Heavy Bleeding, Pain, Fractures | 100 HP | High-tier kit, heals significant HP. |
| Sanitar's Medical Bag | All Injuries | 200 HP | Very rare and powerful, heals all injuries and provides buffs. |
Critical Limb Restoration
If a limb's health reaches zero, it becomes 'blacked out,' rendering it useless and causing severe penalties. These require specialized treatment.
Items for Blacked Out Limbs:
- CMS Kit (Combat Medical Splint): Restores a blacked-out limb to 1 HP. Requires a long application time but is essential for survival.
- Surgery Kit: A rare item that can restore a blacked-out limb to full HP, but also takes a long time to apply.
Other Useful Medical Items
- Golden Star Balm: Heals pain, restores energy and hydration.
- Propital: Heals pain, restores energy and hydration, and provides a slight health regeneration buff.
- Water and Food: Essential for managing energy and hydration, which indirectly affect stamina and health.
Medical Strategy
Always carry a mix of medical items. Prioritize stopping heavy bleeding, then addressing fractures and pain. A CMS kit is a must-have for any serious raid. Learn the application times of each item to manage them effectively during combat or under pressure.