(6) Forward surgical team. This module is staffed with two surgeons, two
nurse anesthetists, a medical/surgical nurse, two operating room specialists, and two
practical nurses. The forward surgical team is organized to provide early resuscitative
surgery for seriously wounded or injured patients, to save life, and to preserve physical
function. Early surgery is performed whenever a likely delay in the evacuation of a
patient threatens life or the quality of recovery. This team collocates with the patient
holding squad where postsurgical patients awaiting evacuation are held. The forward
surgical team provides the required nursing care. Forward surgical teams are organic
to the airborne and air assault divisions. All other surgical modules are called
detachments and are not organic to these divisions. Forward surgical team members
and their equipment can be transported by helicopter or air dropped, allowing for the
provision of emergency surgical care.
e. Modular medical support characterizes Echelons I and II. The system
standardizes medical subelements within these units. The modular design of the
subelements enables the medical resource manager to rapidly tailor, augment,
reinforce, or reconstitute the battlefield in areas of most critical need.
(1) The system is designed to provide emergency medical treatment and
dental care, advanced trauma management, and routine sick call for soldiers of
supported units. The modular medical support system is built around the six modules
organic to division and nondivisional CHS units.
(2) It is oriented toward casualty assessment, collection, evacuation,
treatment, and initial surgical resuscitation. When effectively employed, it provides
assured flexibility, mobility, and patient care capabilities.
1-5.
UNIT LEVEL (ECHELON I)
a. Unit level medical care is initial emergency medical treatment. Immediate far
forward care consists of those lifesaving steps that do not require the knowledge and
skill of a physician. Three different skill levels of personnel provide the care required in
the far forward area.
(1) Self-aid/buddy-aid. Each soldier is trained in a variety of specific first aid
procedures, with particular emphasis on the lifesaving tasks. This training enables the
soldier or his buddy to apply immediate care in order to prevent or alleviate a life
threatening situation.
(2) Combat lifesaver. The combat lifesaver is a non-medical member of a
unit, selected by the commander, to receive additional training beyond the basic first aid
procedures that are taught to all soldiers. The primary duty of the soldier does not
change; additional duties as combat lifesaver are performed as the situation permits.
The combat lifesaver assists the combat medic in providing immediate care for injuries.
There should be at least one trained combat lifesaver per squad, crew, team, or
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