Marine Corps Common Skills Handbook (1B)

TASK: MCCS.21.05 (CORE) APPLY A TOURNIQUET
CONDITION: GIVEN A CASUALTY, A FIRST AID KIT, AND AVAILABLE MATERIALS.
STANDARD: TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURY OR DEATH PER THE REFERENCE.
EVALUATION GUIDELINES TO BE USED DURING TRAINING:
Condition: The Marine is provided a combat casualty, the first aid kit, and the appropriate materials.
Standard: The Marine must apply basic first aid including all basic life support, and the application of tourniquets. The
Marine must also use the safety precautions for those treatments.
PERFORMANCE STEPS:
1. Evaluate the casualty.
a. Check the casualty for responsiveness by gently shaking or tapping him or her while calmly asking, "Are you okay?"
(1) Ask a conscious casualty to identify the location of pain or to identify the area in which there is no feeling. If he or she has an
airway obstruction, clear the airway.
(2) Proceed to the next step if the casualty is unconscious.
b. Check for breathing.
(1) Proceed to substep (a) if the casualty is breathing.
(2) Attempt to resuscitate if the casualty is not breathing.
(3) Clear the airway obstruction if it is apparent, then ventilate.
(a) Check for pulse.
(b) If pulse is present and the casualty is breathing, proceed to substep c.
(c) Start to resuscitate if puls e is present even if the casualty is still not breathing.
(d) If pulse is not present, seek medical assistance.
c. Check for bleeding.
(1) Look for spurts of blood or blood-soaked area of clothing.
(2) Check for both entry and exit of bullet wounds.
(3) Perform the needed first-aid measures if the casualty is bleeding from an open wound.
d. Check for shock.
- Begin treatment immediately if signs or symptoms of shock are present.
e. Check for fractures.
(1) Check for signs or symptoms of fractures or spinal injury, and treat as necessary.
(2) Check for signs or symptoms of fractures of the limbs and other body areas (example: shoulder or hip), and treat as necessary.
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