LESSON 1
PERFORMING TACTICAL COMBAT CASUALTY CARE
TASK
Tactically manage a simulated casualty.
CONDITIONS
Given a written situation concerning a casualty under combat conditions and possible
responses.
STANDARDS
Select the correct response based upon instruction given in Subcourse IS0871.
REFERENCES
STP 21-1-SMCT, Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks: Skill Level 1.
FM 4-25.11, First Aid.
1-1.
BATTLEFIELD DEATHS
Up to 90 percent of combat deaths occur on the battlefield before the casualties
reach a medical treatment facility (MTF). Most of these deaths are inevitable (massive
trauma, massive head injuries, and so forth). However, some conditions such as
bleeding from a wound on an extremity (arm or leg), tension pneumothorax, and airway
problems can be treated on the battlefield. This treatment can be the difference
between being a combat death on the battlefield and a recovering soldier in a MTF. It
has been estimated that proper use of self-aid, buddy-aid, and combat lifesaver skills
can reduce battlefield deaths by 15 percent. Table 1-1 gives an estimated breakdown
of battlefield deaths.
Remember, in combat, functioning as a combat lifesaver is your
secondary mission. Your combat duties remain your primary
mission. Your first priority while under fire is to return fire and
kill the enemy. You should render care to injured soldiers only
when such care does not endanger your primary mission.
IS0871
1-1
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