k. Only remove enough clothing to expose and treat wounds. Care must be
taken to protect the casualty from hypothermia. Casualties who are hypovolemic
become hypothermic quite rapidly if traveling in a CASEVAC or MEDEVAC asset and
are not protected from the wind, regardless of the ambient temperature. Protect the
casualty by wrapping them in a protective wrap (Blizzard Rescue Wrap)
l.
Pain control.
(1) If the casualty is able to fight, administer meloxicam (MobicTM) 15
milligrams (mg) taken orally (PO) initially with two 650 mg of acetominophen (bi-layered
Tylenol caplets) every eight hours. Along with an antibiotic, this makes up the "combat
pill pack" depicted figure 1-5.
Figure 1-5. Combat pill pack.
(2) If the casualty is unable to fight, 5 mg IV morphine may be given every
10 minutes until adequate pain control is achieved. If a saline lock is used, it should be
flushed with 5 ml of saline after the morphine administration. Ensure there is some
visible indication of time and amount of morphine given. Document the morphine
administration on the casualty's field medical card (FMC).
m. Fractures should be splinted as circumstances allow. Perform pulse, motor,
and sensory (PMS) checks before and after splinting.
n. Antibiotics should be considered in all battlefield wounds since these type
wounds are prone to infection. Infection is a late cause of morbidity and mortality in
wounds sustained on the battlefield.
MD0554
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