Background

Nursing interventions may not appear important to the medical professionals caring for a patient, but such interventions greatly reduce the possibility of complications such as DVT, pneumonia, pressure sores, wound infection, and urinary tract infection; therefore, essential nursing and wound care should be prioritized in the training environment. Critically ill and injured casualties are at high risk for complications that can lead to adverse outcomes such as increased disability and death. Nursing care is a core principle of PCC to reduce the risk of preventable complications and can be provided without costly or burdensome equipment.20

- Using a nursing care checklist assists with developing a schedule for performing appropriate assessments and interventions.
- Cross training all team members on these interventions prior to deployment will lessen the demand on the medic, especially when caring for more than one patient.
- Prolonged Casualty Care Flowsheets, Nursing Care Checklists, Nursing Care Plans, Assessment/Intervention Packing List, and Recommended Nursing Skill Checklist for Clinical Rotations are included as a PCC Guidelines Appendix. (Also located in JTS Nursing Intervention in Prolonged Field Care CPG, 22 Jul 2018 18).

Pre-deployment, Mission Planning, and Training Considerations

- Hands-on experience is optimal; simulation is a reasonable substitute
- Practice with minimal technology so you are prepared when you lose access to electricity, water
- Regular monitoring, reassessment, and intervention is lifesaving but can be resource-intensive
- Utilize the Recommended Nursing Skill Checklist for Clinical Rotations included in Appendix B to maximize training opportunities.