contents of an emergency bag that a corpsman might find in an ambulance. Table 4-3 lists the contents of the Unit One bag.
Unique operational requirements or command decisions may modify the make-up of any of the lists. It is up to the corpsman to be familiar with the emergency medical equipment at the command, since the call may come at a moment’s notice to use any of these items to help save or sustain a life.
Table 4-3.—Medical instrument and supply set, individual (Unit One)
a. Descriptions
(1) weight 9 lbs
(2) four strong compartments
(3) adjustable carrying strap
(4) made of nylon
b. Contents
(1) one role wire fabric, 5” X 36”
(2) two bottles of aspirin, 324 mg, 100s
(3) three packages of morphine inj. 1/4 g, 5s
(4) one bottle tetracaine hydrochloride ophthalmic sol.
(5) three bottles povidone-iodine sol. 1/2 fl oz.
(6) two packages atropine inj., 12s
(7) two muslin triangular bandages
(8) two medium battle dressings, 7 1/4 X 8
(9) eight small battle dressings 4 X 7
(10) one roll adhesive tape, 3” X 5 yds
(11) six packages of Band-Aids, 6s
(12) one pair scissors, bandage
(13) one tourniquet
(14) one thermometer, oral
(15) one card of safety pins, medium, 12s
(16) one surgical instrument set, minor surgery
(17) two books field medical cards
(18) one pencil, black lead, mechanical
(19) two packages gauze, roller, 3” X 5 yds
(20) one airway, plastic adult/child
TRIAGE
A final general first aid consideration is triage. Triage is a French word meaning “picking, sorting, or choice” and is used to mean the evaluation and classification of casualties for the purpose of establishing priorities for treatment and evacuation. In the military, there are two basic types of triage: combat and noncombat. In each case, sorting decisions may vary, depending upon the situation. The person in charge is responsible for the balancing of human lives against the realities of the tactical situation, the level of medical stock on hand, and the realistic capabilities of personnel. Triage is an ongoing process and decisions are made at every stage in the movement of the casualty.
SORTING FOR TREATMENT— TACTICAL
The following discussion refers primarily to the battalion aid station (BAS), where helicopter or rapid land evacuation is not readily available, or to the shipboard battle-dressing station.
Immediately upon arrival, sort the casualties into groups in the order listed below:
Class I. Those whose injuries require minor professional treatment that can be done on an outpatient or ambulatory basis. These personnel can be returned to duty in a short period of time.
Class II. Those whose injuries require immediate lifesustaining measures or are of a moderate nature. Initially, they require a minimum amount of time, personnel, and supplies.
Class III. Those for whom definitive treatment can be delayed without jeopardy to life or loss of limb.
Class IV. The hopelessly wounded who would require extensive treatment beyond the immediate medical capabilities. Treatment of these casualties would be to the detriment of others.
SORTING FOR TREATMENT— NON-TACTICAL
In a civilian or non-tactical situation, sorting of casualties is somewhat, but not significantly, different from a combat situation. There are three basic classes of injuries and the order of treatment is different.
Priority I. These casualties require immediate life sustaining action.
Priority II. These casualties generally have injuries where treatment can be delayed for a short time.
Priority III. These casualties generally have minor injuries or they have obviously mortal wounds where survival is not expected.
As mentioned before, triage is an ongoing process; depending on the treatment rendered, the