Figure 1-1. Unconscious casualty placed in the recovery position.
(a) If the casualty has an open chest wound without a needle chest
decompression, position the casualty with the injured side toward the ground. The body
pressure acts to "splint" the affected side.
(b) If a needle chest decompression has been performed, position the
casualty with the uninjured side toward the ground.
(2) For some injuries, the recovery position is not used. For example, a
soldier with an abdominal wound is positioned on his back with his knees flexed (knees
raised with the bottoms of his feet on the ground). If the casualty is being treated for
shock (severe blood loss, and so forth), the casualty is placed on his back with his feet
elevated (placed on a log, pack, or other stable object).
1-5. PERFORMING COMBAT CASUALTY EVACUATION CARE
Prepare the casualty for evacuation, if needed.
a. When possible, the casualty is transported by medical ambulance (helicopter
or ground ambulance) to a medical treatment facility (MTF). If a medical ambulance is
used to transport a casualty, it is called medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
b. If a ground or air ambulance is not available, the casualty may be transported
by nonmedical means. For example, a truck used to haul troops or supplies may be
used to transport casualties to a medical treatment facility. When nonmedical vehicles
are used to transport a casualty, it is called casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).
c. Sometimes a casualty must be moved to another area where he can be
placed on a vehicle, either MEDEVAC or CASEVAC. If the casualty needs to be
carried, he should be moved on a litter. Lesson 7 describes how to prepare and use the
SKED litter and how to make improvised litters.
IS0877
1-8
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