TCCC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TCCC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which quality management tool is used to identify the most significant factors in a dataset? → Pareto chart (80/20 rule)
2. What is active listening in a professional context? → Fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said
3. After approximately how many hours does tourniquet application become a significant risk factor for limb viability? → 2 hours
4. If a single tourniquet fails to control hemorrhage from an extremity wound, what is the correct TCCC action? → Apply a second tourniquet immediately proximal to the first
5. Which bandage type is recommended in TCCC for securing wound packing and maintaining pressure after hemorrhage is controlled? → Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD / Israeli Bandage)
6. What is a common risk when moving a casualty under fire? → Increased exposure to hostile fire
7. What common challenge do professionals face when applying Patient Safety & Infection Control principles? → Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
8. An improvised tourniquet (cravat) has controlled bleeding in the field. When a proper CAT tourniquet becomes available, what is the correct TCCC action? → Apply the proper tourniquet proximal to the improvised one, then remove the improvised
9. A casualty has severe hemorrhage from a wound in the inguinal (groin) area. Which device is most appropriate per TCCC guidelines? → Junctional Emergency Treatment Tool (JETT) or Combat Ready Clamp (CRoC)
10. What is the main goal of Tactical Evacuation Care? → Provide advanced medical care during transport
11. How should professionals evaluate the effectiveness of their development activities? → By assessing whether activities led to improved knowledge, skills, and job performance
12. What common challenge do professionals face when applying Treatment Protocols & Interventions principles? → Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
13. When should documentation be completed? → Immediately after providing care
14. What is the most important competency assessed in Patient Safety & Infection Control for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
15. Which wound location is NOT appropriate for tourniquet application in TCCC? → Penetrating abdominal wound with external hemorrhage
16. What is the primary purpose of a systematic physical examination? → To identify abnormalities and establish baseline findings
17. What is the most important element of effective professional communication? → Clarity and accuracy of the message tailored to the audience
18. What does the 'MARCH' acronym in TCCC stand for? → Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Head injury
19. Why is accurate documentation essential in TCCC? → To support care and treatment decisions
20. What role does continuing education play in maintaining certification? → It ensures professionals stay current with evolving standards and practices
21. Why are time notations important on medical forms? → To record timing of interventions
22. Which patient is evacuated first if multiple casualties exist? → Urgent casualties with airway issues
23. What documentation is vital during evacuation? → TCCC casualty card
24. Why is communication important during evacuation? → To coordinate care and handoff
25. Which form is commonly used in TCCC documentation? → DA Form 7656
26. Which assessment finding would be classified as an objective finding? → Blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
27. Which best describes the scope of Treatment Protocols & Interventions in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
28. What should be done before providing any care in Care Under Fire? → Ensure suppression of hostile fire
29. What does the 'M' in the TCCC MARCH assessment acronym represent? → Massive hemorrhage
30. How should a tension pneumothorax be treated? → Perform needle decompression