Combat lifesaver

Includes self-aid, buddy aid, and combat lifesaver skills. Also includes emergency medical treatment provided by combat medics and corpsmen and advanced trauma management provided by physicians and physician assistants. Highest level treatment capability Army medical platoons (battalion aid stations) and USMC shock trauma platoons. 

Station 5 Monitor 1 attendant (CAM operator) 1 aidman (or combat lifesaver) 1 CAM 5 M8 detector paper 24 M258A1/M295... 

A. Criteria. The capability for medical evacuation, the intensity of the battle, tactical need, and the patient will determine if he will be evacuated or will remain engaged. A visual function assessment, as well as other findings such as hemorrhage, will be used to determine the soldiers duty status. The combat lifesaver and combat medic must consider the soldier s need for evaluation by a physician/PA (to include an ophtholomoscopic examination). From this information, one can determine the need for evacuation of the patient. Ground ambulance is the preferred method of evacuation the lack of urgency for treatment does not justify aeromedical evacuation. See FM 8-10-6 for additional information on evacuation. 

Evaluation of Suspected Laser Injuries. Evaluation of possible laser injuries requires a search for specific findings on physical examination. The medic must determine quickly if the affected soldier is fit to return to duty or if he should be referred to the battalion aid station for further evaluation and/or treatment. The combat lifesaver and combat medic laser eye injury evaluation matrix (Figure 6-G) is a reproduction from FM 8-50. 

FM 8-50. Prevention and Medical Management of Laser Injuries. 8 August 1990. This field manual provides basic preventive, protective, and diagnostic information on laser injuries. The treatment procedures described herein are for use by combat medics, battalion aid station personnel, and other medical treatment facilities without an Ophthalmologist. Also, an evaluation matrix is provided for use by combat lifesavers and combat medics. 

Echelon I medical care, found at the unit level and all higher levels, consists of ATM, sick call, and evacuation capability provided by the medical platoon/ section organic to combat maneuver battalions and to some combat support battalions. Major emphasis is placed on those measures necessary to resuscitate, stabilize, and prepare for the evacuation of the casualty to the next higher echelon of care. This care may be in the form of self-aid/buddy aid or it may be treatment provided by the combat lifesaver or the combat medic. 

Emergency medical treatment, first aid, self-aid, buddy aid Combat medic, combat lifesaver, all soldiers ... 

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