too tightly or the axillary artery will be compressed,
adversely affecting the circulation of the arm. Figure
323 shows the proper application of a cravat bandage
for the axilla.
BATTLE DRESSING
A battle dressing is a combination compress and
bandage in which a sterile gauze pad is fastened to a
gauze, muslin, or adhesive bandage (fig. 324). Most
Navy first aid kits contain both large and small battle
dressings of this kind.
RESCUE AND TRANSPORTATION
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
I d e n t i f y
protective equipment items that are used during
patient rescues, and recall how and when each
protective equipment item should be used.
It is a basic principle of first aid that an injured
person must be given essential treatment before being
moved. However, it is impossible to treat an injured
person who is in a position of immediate danger. If the
victim is drowning, or if his life is endangered by fire,
steam, electricity, poisonous or explosive gases, or
other hazards, rescue must take place before first aid
treatment can be given.
The life of an injured person may well depend
upon the manner in which rescue and transportation to
a medical treatment facility are accomplished. Rescue
operations must be accomplished quickly, but
unnecessary haste is both futile and dangerous. After
rescue and essential first aid treatment have been
given, further transportation must be accomplished in
a manner that will not aggravate the injuries. As a
Corpsman, it may be your responsibility to
directand be the primary rescuer inthese
operations. The life and safety of the victim and the
members of the rescue team may rest on your
decisions.
In this section, we will consider the use of
common types of protective equipment; rescue
procedures; special rescue situations; ways of moving
3-12
Figure 321.Cravat bandage for the elbow or knee.
Figure 322.Cravat bandage for the arm, forearm, leg, or thigh.
Figure 323.Cravat bandage for the axilla.