21st Century U. S. Army First Aid for Soldiers Field Manual: Special Emphasis on Wounds, Bandaging Injuries, Fracture Care, Toxic Environments, Rescue and Transportation, Decontamination

9781931828475

1931828474

This is the latest edition of an important U.S. Army field manual (FM 21-11) covering first aid techniques, with special emphasis on wounds, bandaging injuries, fracture care, toxic environments, rescue and transportation, and decontamination. These are basic skills for use in time-critical circumstances by average individuals, not EMT-level techniques. The manual states: ?Soldiers may have to depend upon their first aid knowledge and skills to save themselves or other soldiers. They may be able to save a life, prevent permanent disability, and reduce long periods of hospitalization by knowing what to do, what not to do, and when to seek medical assistance. Anything soldiers can do to keep others in good fighting condition is part of the primary mission to fight or to support the weapons system. Most injured or ill soldiers are able to return to their units to fight and/or support primarily because they are given appropriate and timely first aid followed by the best medical care possible. Therefore, all soldiers must remember the basics: Check for BREATHING: Lack of oxygen intake (through a compromised airway or inadequate breathing) can lead to brain damage or death in very few minutes. Check for BLEEDING: Life cannot continue without an adequate volume of blood to carry oxygen to tissues. Check for SHOCK: Unless shock is prevented or treated, death may result even though the injury would not otherwise be fatal. The time may come when you must instantly apply your knowledge of lifesaving and first aid measures, possibly under combat or other adverse conditions. Any soldier observing an unconscious and/or ill, injured, or wounded person must carefully and skillfully evaluate him to determine the first aid measures required to prevent further injury or death. He should seek help from medical personnel as soon as possible, but must NOT interrupt his evaluation or treatment of the casualty.'