B-5. Proper Handling of Casualties

Table of Contents

• a . You may have saved the casualty’s life through the application of appropriate first aid measures. However, his life can be lost through rough handling or careless transportation procedures. Before you attempt to move the casualty —
• • • Evaluate the type and extent of his injuries.
  • • Ensure that dressings over wounds are adequately reinforced.
  • • Ensure that fractured bones are properly immobilized and supported to prevent them from cutting through muscle, blood vessels, and skin.
• b. Based upon your evaluation of the type and extent of the casualty’s injury and your knowledge of the various manual carries, you must select the best possible method of manual transportation. If the casualty is conscious, tell him how he is to be transported. This will help allay his fear of movement and gain his cooperation and confidence.
• c . Buddy aid for chemical agent casualties includes those actions required to prevent an incapacitated casualty from receiving additional injury from the effects of chemical hazards. If a casualty is physically unable to decontaminate himself or administer the proper chemical agent antidote, the casualty’s buddy assists him and assumes responsibility for his care. Buddyaid includes —
• • • Administering the proper chemical agent antidote.
  • • Decontaminating the incapacitated casualty’s exposed skin.
  • • Ensuring that his protective ensemble remains correctly emplaced.
  • • Maintaining respiration.
  • • Controlling bleeding.
  • • Providing other standard first aid measures
  • • Transporting the casualty out of the contaminated area.