b. Expose the casualty's chest to look for equal rise and fall of the chest and for
wounds.
(1) If the casualty's chest is not rising and falling evenly, make a mental
note and proceed with the evaluation.
(2) If the casualty has a penetrating chest wound and is breathing or making
an effort to breathe, stop the evaluation and apply an occlusive dressing (Lesson 4) to
seal the penetrating wound.
NOTE:
Check for entrance and exit wounds to the chest. If an entrance wound and
an exit wound are present, both must be sealed.
(3) If the casualty has a penetrating chest wound, is not breathing, and is
making no effort to breathe, do not attempt to treat the injury.
2-7.
CHECKING THE CASUALTY FOR BLEEDING
a. Look for blood-soaked clothes.
b. Look for entry and exit wounds.
c. Place your hands behind the casualty's neck and pass them upward toward
the top of the head. Note whether there is blood or brain tissue on your hands from the
casualty's wounds.
d. Place your hands behind the casualty's shoulders and pass them downward
behind the back, the thighs, and the legs. Note whether there is blood on your hands
from the casualty's wounds.
e. If life-threatening bleeding from an extremity (arm or leg) is present, stop the
bleeding using a tourniquet or emergency bandage (Lesson 5).
2-8.
ADDITIONAL CARE
a. After any needed immediate live-saving aid has been administered, perform
additional care. For example, bandage other wounds (Lesson 5) and splint major
fractures (Lesson 6).
b. If possible, send a soldier to find a combat medic.
c. Administer additional care until the combat medic arrives or until you are told
to resume your combat duties. Now that you are in a safe area, you can render care
that you could not administer while under fire.
d. Reassure the casualty. Show confidence in your actions.
IS0877
2-6
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