I think it’s wise to distinguish between a gunshot trauma kit and a general first aid kit.
The USCCA GSTK is pretty handy and there’s a special on them now if you buy the First Aid for Gunshot DVD and book so you essentially get one free.
Those types of kits really don’t need any sort of frequent refreshing.
For a general first aid kit if you’ll seal your adhesives in ziplock bags they will last about five times longer. The adhesive dries out when exposed to air.
Anytime the adhesives appear to look old they are probably drying out so check them. In dry climates like the SW and High desert they can dry out in just a year or so but last longer where it’s humid.
Just as a general rule of thumb it’s a good idea to do an inventory and restock after every use of either and to at least do a good inspection of FA kits annually or semi annually for sure.
It’s a very good idea to keep a miminalist kit if not on your person, handy in your vehicle or office.
It’s an even better idea to put together a much more complete TK to keep at home. In a home invasion there’s a very high probability of multiple casualties and some likely to have multiple gunshot wounds. so we keep one at home all the time.
For classes I carry a personal minimalist kit that will always be with us in class and on the range and a rather extensive one will be in my vehicle just in case with enough supplies to treat five people with multiple GSW’s or fragment injuries.
