When a nonmedically trained soldier comes upon an unconscious and/or
injured soldier, he must accurately evaluate the casualty to determine the
first aid measures needed to prevent further injury or death. He should seek
medical assistance as soon as possible, but he MUST NOT interrupt
treatment. To interrupt treatment may cause more harm than good to the
casualty. A second person may be sent to find medical help. If, during any
part of the evaluation, the casualty exhibits the conditions for which the
soldier is checking, the soldier must stop the evaluation and immediately
administer first aid. Remember that in a chemical environment, the soldier
should not evaluate the casualty until the casualty has been masked and
given the antidote. After performing first aid, the soldier must proceed with
the evaluation and continue to monitor the casualty for development of
conditions which may require the performance of necessary basic life saving
measures, such as clearing the airway, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
preventing shock, and/or bleeding control. He should continue to monitor
until relieved by medical personnel.
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