MASSIVE HEMORRHAGE
What is the primary cause of death in preventable battlefield fatalities?
Hemorrhage
Why is an NPA generally preferred over an OPA in a casualty with an intact gag reflex?
An NPA is usually better tolerated and less likely to trigger gagging or vomiting.
What is the initial treatment for a gunshot wound to the upper left chest?
Exposed, inspected, and checked for exit wounds and applied a chest seal.
What is the normal resting heart rate for an adult?
60–100 BPM
A casualty has unequal pupils and declining consciousness after a blast. What injury should you suspect?
TBI
How long does it take for QuickClot to take effect?
3 minutes or 180 seconds.
What is the primary physiological cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious casualty?
Loss of muscle tone allows the tongue and soft tissues to obstruct the pharynx.
What three findings suggest a tension pneumothorax?
1) Respiratory distress
2) Decreased breath sounds on one-side
3) Sx of shock
A patient with a controlled LLA has absent bilateral radial pulses. What IV intervention should we give them?
Initiate a direct line
What does PERRL assess?
Pupils equal, round, reactive to light.
A casualty has a properly applied tourniquet but still has a palpable distal pulse. What does this indicate? (GIVE THE TREATMENT TOO)
Inadequate arterial occlusion; reassess and tighten or add a second tourniquet.
What findings suggest an airway is becoming obstructed despite spontaneous respirations?
Stridor, snoring, retractions, poor air movement, or worsening hypoxia.
What is the difference between respiratory distress and respiratory failure?
Distress: difficulty breathing while still compensating. Failure: inadequate oxygenation or ventilation.
What are the two primary field indicators of hemorrhagic shock emphasized in TCCC?
1) Altered mental status without TBI
2) Weak or absent radial pulse.
What does clear fluid draining from the ears or nose after head trauma suggest?
Possible CSF leak from a skull-base fracture.
What medication can be used to help coagulation factors and what is the dose?
2g TXA
A casualty with facial trauma has severe airway obstruction and cannot be ventilated effectively. What definitive emergency airway intervention may be necessary?
Surgical cric
What are the normal SpO₂ and respiratory rate ranges for a healthy adult?
95–100% and 12–20 breaths/min
What are three signs of IV infiltration?
Swelling, cool skin, and pain at the insertion site.
What core temperature defines hypothermia?
Below 95°F (35°C).
Following a high-energy MOI, what two signs of hemorrhagic shock indicate the need to consider a pelvic binder?
Altered mental status (without TBI) and weak or absent radial pulse in a casualty with a suspected pelvic fracture.
Why can a casualty with a severe facial injury lose their airway despite still being conscious?
Swelling, bleeding, or damaged facial structures can progressively obstruct the airway.
What are the two approved anatomical sites for needle chest decompression in TCCC?
5th intercostal space, anterior axillary line.
2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line.
Why is an 18-gauge IV preferred over a 22-gauge IV for rapid fluid resuscitation?
Its larger diameter allows faster fluid and blood administration.
Why can hypothermia increase mortality even after hemorrhage is controlled?
It impairs clotting and cardiac function.