Care Under Fire Flashcards
9 cards from real TCCC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 9 Care Under Fire flashcards as text
What is the primary goal during Care Under Fire?
Answer: Return fire and move to cover
During Care Under Fire, the primary goal is to suppress hostile fire and move the casualty to a position of relative safety. This phase prioritizes the safety of the rescuer and the casualty above all else, as providing extensive medical care in an active threat environment is extremely dangerous and often impractical. Neutralizing the threat or gaining cover allows for safer and more effective interventions later.
Which medical intervention is typically performed during Care Under Fire?
Answer: Apply a tourniquet
In the Care Under Fire phase of TCCC, the only medical intervention typically performed is the application of a tourniquet for massive extremity bleeding. This is because a tourniquet can be applied quickly and effectively, even under direct fire, to control life-threatening hemorrhage. Other interventions are delayed until the casualty is moved to a safer location, as they would expose the rescuer to undue risk.
Why is airway management not prioritized in Care Under Fire?
Answer: Bleeding and safety take priority
Airway management is not prioritized in Care Under Fire because immediate threats like massive hemorrhage and ongoing hostile fire take precedence. Addressing significant bleeding is critical as it can lead to rapid death, and ensuring the safety of both the rescuer and casualty by suppressing the threat is paramount. Airway interventions often require more time and exposure, which are not feasible in an active combat zone.
What type of bleeding requires immediate tourniquet application?
Answer: Massive extremity bleeding
Massive extremity bleeding requires immediate tourniquet application because it can lead to rapid and life-threatening blood loss. Unlike minor cuts or abrasions, massive bleeding from an arm or leg can quickly cause hypovolemic shock and death if not controlled promptly. A tourniquet is the most effective and rapid method to stop such severe hemorrhage in a tactical environment.
What should be done before providing any care in Care Under Fire?
Answer: Ensure suppression of hostile fire
Before providing any care in the Care Under Fire phase, it is crucial to ensure the suppression of hostile fire. The safety of the rescuer and the casualty is the absolute priority in this environment. Attempting medical interventions while under direct threat significantly increases the risk of further injury or death to both individuals, making tactical considerations paramount.
What is a common risk when moving a casualty under fire?
Answer: Increased exposure to hostile fire
A common risk when moving a casualty under fire is increased exposure to hostile fire. The act of moving often requires leaving cover or exposing oneself and the casualty to enemy sightlines and weapon systems. This heightened vulnerability necessitates careful tactical planning and fire superiority to minimize the risk during extraction.
Where should a tourniquet be applied?
Answer: 2–3 inches above the wound
A tourniquet should be applied 2–3 inches above the wound, directly on the skin, and not over a joint. This placement ensures that the tourniquet is on a single bone where it can effectively compress the artery against the bone, stopping blood flow. Applying it too close to the wound or over a joint can reduce its effectiveness in controlling hemorrhage.
What should be done after applying a tourniquet?
Answer: Note the application time
After applying a tourniquet, it is critical to note the application time clearly on the tourniquet itself or on the casualty's forehead. This time stamp is vital for subsequent medical personnel to monitor the duration of blood flow restriction and make informed decisions regarding limb viability and further treatment. Prolonged tourniquet application can lead to tissue damage, so accurate timing is essential.
Why is speed critical in the Care Under Fire phase?
Answer: To reduce risk and save lives
Speed is critical in the Care Under Fire phase to reduce risk and save lives. Minimizing exposure time to hostile fire protects both the rescuer and the casualty from further injury. Rapidly moving the casualty to cover and quickly addressing massive hemorrhage with a tourniquet are immediate life-saving actions that must be performed with urgency.