Medical Lane
M8

OPEN HEAD WOUND (CBRN)

5 minutes

Conditions: Teammate received fragmentation to head during indirect fire. CBRNE environment, MOPP level 3. Conscious and alert.

Understanding This Task

This task tests head wound treatment in a CBRNE environment. The key challenge is maintaining MOPP throughout while treating the wound. You must NOT apply pressure to visible brain matter, clean the wound, or remove protruding objects.

Three dressing techniques depending on wound location: forehead/back, top of head, or side/cheek. Each has a different wrapping pattern.

Common NO-GO Mistakes

  • Removing MOPP garments (maintain throughout)
  • Applying pressure to visible brain matter
  • Attempting to push anything back into the skull
  • Cleaning the wound or removing protruding objects
  • Touching sterile (white) side of dressing

Task Basis: 081-831-1033

Video Resources

ESB 2022: Head Wound in CBRNE — 1-2 SBCT
Open head wound treatment in CBRNE environment
Timer: 5 Minutes
5:00
Critical Notes
  • Maintain MOPP throughout — do NOT remove MOPP garments.
  • Do NOT apply pressure to visible brain matter — dress loosely.
  • Do NOT clean the wound or remove protruding objects.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

0/5 GO
  1. 1

    Check level of consciousness

    • Ask name, location, and today's date.
  2. 2

    Position the casualty

    • Have casualty sit up.
    • Turn head to opposite side of wound to prevent bleeding into mouth.
  3. 3

    Expose the wound CRITICAL

    • Remove helmet if necessary, but RETAIN all MOPP garments.
    • Do NOT clean wound, remove protruding objects, or apply pressure dressing.
    • Do NOT put pressure on wound or push brain matter back into skull.
    • Do NOT touch white (sterile) side of dressing.
  4. 4

    Apply field dressing

    Forehead or back of head:

    • Apply white side down over wound. Wrap tails around head in opposite directions (not covering eyes/ears). Tie at side with nonslip knot.

    Top of head:

    • Apply over wound. Wrap first tail under chin, up in front of ear, over dressing. Second tail under chin opposite direction. Cross tails. Wrap across forehead and around back. Tie with nonslip knot.

    Side of head or cheek:

    • Apply over wound with tails extending up and down. Wrap top tail over head, under chin. Other tail opposite direction. Cross and wrap forehead/back of head. Tie with nonslip knot.
  5. 5

    Watch for life-threatening conditions, treat for shock, seek medical aid

M7: Occlusive Dressing M9: Abdominal & Eye