Military First Aid 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A casualty reports they cannot feel their legs after a blast. While moving them to cover, what cervical spine precaution is MOST practical in a tactical environment?
- Apply a rigid cervical collar before moving
- Maintain inline stabilization during the move (Correct answer)
- Do not move until a stretcher is available
- Place the casualty in a seated position to decompress the spine
Correct answer: Maintain inline stabilization during the move
Inline stabilization during movement is the most practical spinal precaution when a rigid collar is unavailable in a tactical environment.
Question 2: You apply a tourniquet to a casualty's arm. What critical step must you complete before moving them to the next phase of care?
- Pad under the tourniquet for comfort
- Mark the time of tourniquet application on the casualty (Correct answer)
- Check distal pulse to confirm tourniquet effectiveness
- Loosen the tourniquet every 30 minutes to restore circulation
Correct answer: Mark the time of tourniquet application on the casualty
Documenting the time of tourniquet application is essential so medical personnel can manage limb viability and tourniquet conversion.
Question 3: A casualty has burns to both arms and the front of their torso. Using the Rule of Nines, what percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) is burned?
- 18%
- 27%
- 36% (Correct answer)
- 45%
Correct answer: 36%
Each arm is 9% and the front torso is 18%, totaling 36% TBSA using the Rule of Nines.
Question 4: What is the preferred position for a conscious casualty in shock with no suspected spinal injury?
- Supine with legs elevated 12 inches (shock position) (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright to ease breathing
- Left lateral recumbent position
- Prone position to protect the airway
Correct answer: Supine with legs elevated 12 inches (shock position)
The shock position (supine with legs elevated) helps return blood to the core organs in a conscious casualty without spinal injury.
Question 5: When is it appropriate to perform CPR on a combat casualty per TCCC guidelines?
- On any unconscious casualty found without a pulse
- Only when the casualty has a non-traumatic cardiac arrest and tactical situation permits (Correct answer)
- Never, as CPR is not included in TCCC
- Whenever there are at least two providers available
Correct answer: Only when the casualty has a non-traumatic cardiac arrest and tactical situation permits
TCCC recommends CPR only for non-traumatic cardiac arrest (drowning, electrocution) when the tactical situation allows, as traumatic arrest has very poor outcomes.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the Combat Gauze (hemostatic dressing) in treating wounds?
- To provide a sterile barrier against infection
- To enhance clot formation and control hemorrhage in junctional wounds (Correct answer)
- To replace a tourniquet on extremity wounds
- To absorb wound exudate for infection monitoring
Correct answer: To enhance clot formation and control hemorrhage in junctional wounds
Combat Gauze contains kaolin which activates clotting factors, making it effective for controlling hemorrhage especially in junctional (groin, axilla, neck) wounds.
Question 7: A casualty is conscious and breathing after a blast injury. You note tracheal deviation to the right. This is a sign of:
- Tension pneumothorax on the right side
- Tension pneumothorax on the left side (Correct answer)
- Hemothorax on the right side
- Normal anatomical variation under stress
Correct answer: Tension pneumothorax on the left side
Tracheal deviation occurs away from the affected side; deviation to the right indicates tension pneumothorax on the left side.
Military First Aid 3
A casualty reports they cannot feel their legs after a blast.
While moving them to cover, what cervical spine precaution is MOST practical in a tactical environment?