Medical First Aid for Close Protection Flashcards

Why is first aid training especially critical for close protection operatives?

Answer: CPOs may be the first and only trained person present during a traumatic or medical emergency affecting the principal

In a CP scenario, the principal may be injured in a remote location, a hostile environment or a situation where emergency services cannot access immediately; the CPO may be the principal's only hope for survival.

What is the CP-specific mnemonic 'THREAT' used for?

Answer: Threat suppression, Haemorrhage control, Rapid Extrication, Assessment, Treatment — a tactical medicine framework

The THREAT protocol is adapted from tactical combat casualty care: suppress the threat, control haemorrhage, perform rapid extrication, assess and treat — prioritising safety before treatment.

What is 'haemorrhage control' and why is it a priority in CP first aid?

Answer: Stopping catastrophic bleeding, which is the most preventable cause of death from traumatic injury

Catastrophic haemorrhage (massive uncontrolled bleeding) kills faster than airway or breathing problems; controlling it immediately with direct pressure or a tourniquet is therefore the highest priority in traumatic injury.

When should a tourniquet be applied to a limb injury?

Answer: When direct pressure fails to control life-threatening limb haemorrhage

A tourniquet is applied when direct pressure and wound packing cannot control life-threatening limb bleeding; while once considered a last resort, current guidance supports earlier use to save lives.

What is 'wound packing' and when is it used?

Answer: Tightly packing a deep wound with haemostatic gauze or clean material to control bleeding that cannot be controlled by surface pressure alone

Wound packing is used for deep wounds such as gunshot or stab injuries where surface pressure cannot reach the bleeding point; packing the wound tightly applies pressure directly at the source.

What is 'tactical field care' in a CP medical context?

Answer: Medical treatment provided after the immediate threat has been addressed but before definitive medical care is available

Tactical field care is the phase after the threat is controlled (or when in a protected position) where more thorough assessment and treatment can be carried out before evacuation to definitive care.