SIA CP Medical First Aid for Close Protection 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'lethal triad' in trauma medicine?
- Hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy — three conditions that each worsen the others and together dramatically increase mortality (Correct answer)
- Bleeding, airway obstruction and cardiac arrest
- Hypoxia, hypotension and haemorrhage
- Infection, blood loss and organ failure
Correct answer: Hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy — three conditions that each worsen the others and together dramatically increase mortality
The lethal triad of hypothermia, acidosis (metabolic) and coagulopathy (impaired clotting) is a self-reinforcing cycle in severe trauma; preventing any element improves survival chances.
Question 2: What is a 'CAT tourniquet' and how is it applied?
- A Combat Application Tourniquet applied 5–8 cm above a wound, tightened until bleeding stops and the time noted (Correct answer)
- A tourniquet applied directly over a wound
- A tourniquet used only for head injuries
- A pressure bandage applied around the torso
Correct answer: A Combat Application Tourniquet applied 5–8 cm above a wound, tightened until bleeding stops and the time noted
A CAT is applied 5–8 cm above the wound on the limb, tightened by twisting the rod until bleeding stops completely, and the time of application written on the tourniquet for the receiving medics.
Question 3: What is 'haemostatic gauze' and how is it used?
- Gauze impregnated with a clotting agent, packed tightly into a wound to accelerate clotting in severe bleeding (Correct answer)
- Standard gauze used for minor wounds
- A specialised dressing for burn injuries
- Gauze used to clean wounds before dressing
Correct answer: Gauze impregnated with a clotting agent, packed tightly into a wound to accelerate clotting in severe bleeding
Haemostatic gauze (such as QuikClot or Celox) contains a clotting agent that accelerates coagulation when packed firmly into a wound; it is particularly effective for junctional wounds where tourniquets cannot be applied.
Question 4: What is 'permissive hypotension' in trauma first aid management?
- Allowing blood pressure to remain lower than normal to reduce internal bleeding before surgery; not forcing fluids in penetrating trauma (Correct answer)
- Always maintaining normal blood pressure with intravenous fluids
- Allowing any blood pressure level without treatment
- A concept only applicable in hospital settings
Correct answer: Allowing blood pressure to remain lower than normal to reduce internal bleeding before surgery; not forcing fluids in penetrating trauma
In penetrating trauma, aggressively trying to restore normal blood pressure can worsen internal bleeding; permissive hypotension accepts a slightly lower blood pressure until surgical control is achieved.
Question 5: What is a 'medical action card' and why should CPOs carry one for the principal?
- A card containing the principal's medical conditions, allergies, medications and blood type for use by emergency responders (Correct answer)
- A card authorising the CPO to administer medication
- A government-issued medical certificate
- A card provided by the SIA detailing first aid requirements
Correct answer: A card containing the principal's medical conditions, allergies, medications and blood type for use by emergency responders
A medical action card provides critical information to emergency responders about the principal's conditions, allergies and medications, enabling appropriate treatment without delay in an emergency.
Question 6: What does 'CASEVAC' stand for in a tactical CP context?
- Casualty evacuation — the process of transporting a casualty to medical care (Correct answer)
- Casualty assessment and verification
- Casualty avoidance and containment
- Chemical agent security evacuation
Correct answer: Casualty evacuation — the process of transporting a casualty to medical care
CASEVAC (casualty evacuation) describes the process of moving a casualty from the incident site to a medical facility; the CP team must have a CASEVAC plan integrated into every protective operation.
SIA CP Medical First Aid for Close Protection 3
What is the 'lethal triad' in trauma medicine?