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Three stages of life: How does TCCC save your life?
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) has been committed to improving the effectiveness and safety of battlefield rescue since the 1990s. The background of the emergence of TCCC is to conduct in-depth analysis of casualty patterns in past conflicts and provide more applied and evidence-based trauma first aid guidance to reduce avoidable deaths. As these guidelines continue to be updated, TCCC has become a U.S. Department of Defense training program for all military personnel. This article will explore the three key stages in TCCC and how it can effectively save lives.
Care Under Fire (CUF)
CUF refers to the care of the wounded while friendly forces are still under enemy fire. In such an environment, the first priority is to fight back and find cover, and the wounded should continue to participate in the fight if they are able. After the enemy fire is suppressed, the injured can be moved to a safer area. The only medical intervention in CUF is hemostasis, especially important external bleeding control.
"TCCC actively recommends and supports the use of tourniquets in CUF to control massive bleeding from the outside of the extremity."
Tactical Field Care (TFC)
TFC is care provided by first responders or pre-medical personnel in a battlefield environment. TFC focuses on casualty assessment and management using the MARCH abbreviation. This includes controlling heavy bleeding, maintaining the airway, assessing respiratory status, and managing circulation. If the injured person is bleeding heavily, tourniquets and pressure dressings need to be used for timely control.
"TCCC emphasizes immediate management of the respiratory tract in TFC, including emergency tracheostomy."
In addition, TFC also includes ongoing assessment and treatment of the injured, such as treating eye trauma and fixing fractures, etc. This stage of care is critical to the successful transfer of the injured person to a medical facility.
Tactical Evacuation Care (TACEVAC)
TACEVAC incorporates all of the assessment and management content in TFC with a further emphasis on advanced care procedures that can be performed en route to the medical facility. What is special about this stage is that the evacuation of the injured can be completed through different means of transportation, not necessarily a dedicated medical platform.
"TACEVAC can be performed in a non-medical vehicle, but necessary medical care still needs to be provided."
This efficient transportation method undoubtedly plays an important role in improving the survival rate of the injured on the front line.
Evidence supporting the effect of TCCC
A large amount of medical literature shows that TCCC is the most reliable method of treating injured people on the battlefield today. Many battlefield casualties die before reaching a doctor, so improving emergency response after injury is critical. The TCCC training for all military personnel has led to a sharp drop in mortality in combat. This is not only the success of a medical strategy, but also a symbol of the improvement of the entire military response system.
"The success of medical improvements in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has maintained the lowest combat mortality rates in history."
These measures emphasize collaboration between leadership and medical staff and the synergies created as a whole system.
Conclusion
TCCC is designed to shorten the time between life danger and treatment and maximize survival rates through precise collaboration at all stages. Each stage has its own unique importance. Whether it is on the line of fire, step-by-step rescue, or emergency transportation to the hospital, it may save lives at critical moments. Are you ready to use these life-saving tips when your life matters?
