Combat Lifesaver Course

Student Self-Study - IS0871

• The course is designed to certify individuals as combat lifesavers.
• Key tasks: tactically manage a casualty, evaluate and treat a casualty, prepare and transmit a request for medical evacuation, and transport a casualty.

Administrative Problems

• Address administrative issues to primary instructor or Army Institute for Professional Development.
• Contact information:
  • Address: Army Institute for Professional Development, ATTN: ATIC-IPS (Student Services), U.S. Army Training Support Center, Newport News, VA 23628-0001
  • Telephone: DSN 927-3335/3322, Commercial (757) 878-3335/3322
  • Email: [email protected]

Course Content

• A major revision from previous edition B to C.
• Reflects current U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School doctrine.

Combat Lifesaver Course: Student Self-Study

General

• Contains information needed to pass written and performance exams.
• Important lifesaving tasks are included.

Terminal Objectives

1. Tactically Manage a Casualty

   • Conditions: Battlefield environment and combat lifesaver medical equipment set.
   • Standards: Procedures applied without endangering the mission or adding injury to the casualty.

2. Evaluate and Treat a Casualty

   • Conditions: Casualty with specific injury types.
   • Standards: Perform procedures as given and document on a medical card.

3. Request for Medical Evacuation

   • Conditions: Writing instrument, MEDEVAC worksheet, needed information, transmitting device.
   • Standards: Prepare and transmit request correctly.

4. Transport a Casualty

   • Conditions: Equipment and assistance available.
   • Standards: Properly prepare equipment and evacuate following procedures.

Lessons Overview

1. Introduction to the Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care
2. Care Under Fire
3. Tactical Field Care
4. Controlling Bleeding
5. Opening and Managing a Casualty's Airway
6. Treating Penetrating Chest Trauma
7. Initiating a Field Medical Card or TCCC Card
8. Requesting Medical Evacuation
9. Tactical Casualty Movement
10. Evacuating a Casualty Using a Litter

Key Concepts and Skills

Care Under Fire

• Priority is to return fire and suppress enemy.
• Treat only life-threatening bleeding.
• Use of tourniquets and movement to safety.

Tactical Field Care

• More comprehensive treatment when not under fire.
• Evaluating and treating airway, breathing, and circulation.
• Monitoring and documenting casualty’s condition.

Bleeding Control

• Techniques: Emergency Bandage, Combat Gauze, manual pressure, pressure dressing.
• Use of tourniquets for severe bleeding.

Airway Management

• Using head-tilt/chin-lift method.
• Nasopharyngeal airway insertion.

Chest Trauma

• Sealing open chest wounds.
• Needle chest decompression for tension pneumothorax.

Medical Documentation

• Use DD Form 1380 or DA Form 7656 to record treatment.
• Entering casualty’s information accurately.

Medical Evacuation Request

• Use of nine-line format for communication.
• Essential details include location, radio frequency, and casualty status.

Casualty Movement

• Techniques include drags and carries.
• Use of manual and equipment-assisted methods.

Use of Litters

• SKED and Talon litter preparation and usage.
• Improvisation of litters using available materials.

Study and Examination

• Read text and complete exercises.
• Performance and written examinations are part of certification.
• 40 credit hours awarded upon successful completion of the course.

Grading and Certification

• Minimum 70% on written exams and a GO on performance exams required for passing.
• Evaluation by primary instructor or designated assistant.