Put on a field and pressure dressing / Apply a tourniquet / Prevent Shock

TASKS: 1. Put on a field and pressure dressing.

2. Apply a tourniquet.

3. Prevent shock.

TEST CONDITIONS: Given a breathing casualty who has a bleeding wound of the arm or leg, a casualty’s first-aid packet, and the materials to improvise a pressure dressing and to elevate the injured limb.

TEST STANDARDS:

1. Take appropriate action to control bleeding of a wound following the correct sequence. Apply the field dressing over the wound, ensuring that the sides of the dressing are sealed and that the dressing does not slip. Make sure the application of the field and pressure dressing does not have a tourniquet-like effect.

2. Apply a tourniquet that stops bright red bleeding. The tourniquet stick does not unwind.

3. Try to prevent shock without causing further injury to the casualty.

SOLDIER’S MANUAL CROSSWALK: This task is the same as STP 21-1-SMCT tasks 081-831-1016, 081-831-1017, 081-831-1005, and FM 21-11.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR POINT: First-aid dressings, cravats, poncho, load-bearing equipment, Kelvar helmet, field table, stopwatch, clipboard, ballpoint pen, moulage for the selected wound, mannequin (DVC 08-15), and FB Form 20-5.2-R.

SITE SETUP: Ensure the mannequin or soldier playing the part of the casualty is on a poncho in BDUs with buttons, belt, and boot laces secure and is wearing load-bearing equipment and Kevlar helmet. Use the same field dressing repeatedly. Have materials available for a pressure dressing (wadding and cravat or a strip of cloth). Use a moulage or mark a place on the casualty’s arm or leg to simulate a wound.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES: Say to the candidates–

“Let me have your attention. At this point you must properly treat a casualty. To do so, you must apply a field and pressure dressing, apply a tourniquet, and demonstrate the proper procedures to prevent shock.

“You will evaluate a casualty who has a bleeding wound to the leg. Assume that the casualty has a pulse and is breathing.

“You are not in a chemical environment. You will find a first-aid packet and wadding material next to the casualty. After applying the appropriate dressings, you must apply a tourniquet and treat the casualty for shock.

“You have four minutes in which to apply the field and pressure dressings, apply a tourniquet, and prevent shock. The wound is not a fracture. Do you understand what you must do?”

If anyone has questions, repeat the instructions but do not elaborate on what you have read.

Pause five seconds and then say–

“BEGIN.”

After four minutes, stop the candidate and then say–

“All measures have failed to control the bleeding. Direct pressure and elevation have been unsuccessful. Begin your next course of action.”

All candidates must put on a tourniquet. After the candidate completes the tourniquet, check to ensure the tourniquet stick does not unwind. Announce–

“Casualty has symptoms of shock.”

After the candidate completes Steps 1 through 4b on the scorecard, ask the candidate–

“What other steps would you perform at this time?”

See scorecard for steps 4c and 4d.