Medical Lane
M5

CONTROL BLEEDING

5 minutes

Conditions: Teammate received GSW, applied own CAT, moved to cover. You have a CLS bag. Behind cover, not under fire. Non-CBRNE.

Understanding This Task

This task tests Tactical Field Care — the phase after fire superiority is achieved. You must perform a thorough blood sweep of all areas, apply hemostatic dressing (Combat Gauze), and reassess existing tourniquets.

Blood sweep: Extremities, neck, armpits, and groin. Missing ANY area or failing to detect a wound = NO-GO.

Common NO-GO Mistakes

  • Missing an area during blood sweep = NO-GO
  • Direct pressure for less than 3 minutes
  • Second CAT placed BELOW first (must be ABOVE)
  • Checking distal pulse with thumb instead of fingers

Task Basis: 081-COM-1001, 081-000-0048, 081-000-0099

Video Resources

ESB 2022: Control Bleeding — 1-2 SBCT
Bleeding control procedures including wound packing
Combat Lifesaver: Applying Tourniquet
Tourniquet application and bleeding control
Timer: 5 Minutes
5:00
Critical Notes
  • Blood sweep: extremities, neck, armpits, groin — missing an area = NO-GO.
  • Direct pressure for 3 minutes minimum.
  • Second CAT goes side-by-side but ABOVE the first.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

0/3 GO
  1. 1

    Perform blood sweep CRITICAL

    • Sweep extremities, neck, armpits, and groin areas.
    • Expose wounds if bleeding detected.
    • Failure to sweep an area or detect a wound = NO-GO.
  2. 2

    Apply hemostatic dressing

    • Remove clothing to access wound.
    • Identify bleeding point within wound. Remove pooled blood with hand or gauze.
    • Pack Combat Gauze directly over source of bleeding — pack entire dressing.
    • Apply direct pressure for 3 minutes. Periodically check placement.
    • If still bleeding: pack second Combat Gauze.
    • Bandage wound: cotton gauze over dressing, secure with emergency bandage.
  3. 3

    Reassess tourniquets

    • Attempt to further tighten existing CAT until bleeding stops.
    • If CAT still ineffective: place SECOND CAT side-by-side ABOVE the first.
    • Pull band tight through friction adapter. Twist windlass until bleeding stops.
    • Lock windlass. Secure with windlass strap.
    • Assess for absence of distal pulse (skin to skin, no thumb).
    • Mark "T" and time. Secure with tape.
    • Apply pressure or hemostatic dressing.
M4: Heat Injury M6: Spinal Injury & Shock