The first part of circulation management in TFC focuses on hemorrhage control. This includes identifying the progressive strategies for controlling external hemorrhage; identifying the signs and symptoms of a pelvic fracture; understanding the implications for placing a PCD; and identifying the indications and methods for wound packing and pressure bandages, tourniquet replacement, and tourniquet conversion.
The skills that were taught and practiced included the application of both CoTCCC-recommended and improvised PCD, wound packing and pressure bandage application, tourniquet replacement, and tourniquet conversion.
The next two modules will focus on other aspects of the circulation phase of the MARCH-PAWS sequence in the Tactical Field Care environment: recognition and management of shock, and hemorrhagic shock fluid resuscitation.