4-14. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Under the direction of the medical platoon leader and the technical supervision of
the brigade surgeon, the PA is responsible for:
a. Conducting and/or supervising training of battalion non-medical personnel in
first aid, field sanitation, personal hygiene, patient evacuation procedures and medical
aspects of injury (accident) prevention.
b. Arranging for the conduct of the battalion preventive psychiatry program, with
technical assistance from the division psychiatrist, to include training of battalion troop
leaders in methods of preventing psychiatric disorders, especially combat exhaustion.
c. Establishing and operating an aid station.
d. Treating, within his medical capabilities and limitations, those patients
reporting on sick call. Patients who require additional treatment beyond the capability of
the PA are referred to the supporting medical company (division treatment station). He
will advise the platoon leader as to whether a patient should be treated and returned to
duty or stabilized and evacuated.
e. Providing emergency medical treatment to wounded and injured personnel, to
include:
(1)
Establishing and maintaining an airway.
(2)
(3)
Prevention and treatment of shock.
(4)
Protection of wounds.
(5)
(6)
Other emergency measures, as indicated.
4-15 EMPLOYMENT OF THE PLATOON HEADQUARTERS
a. The medical platoon headquarters operates a CP that is usually located at the
battalion aid station site.
b. The medical platoon is provided access to the battalion communications
system that provides communications with all major elements of the battalion and with
supporting units. Radio communication equipment in the platoon headquarters consist
of a radio mounted in the platoon leader's vehicle.
MD0002
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