The Tactical Trauma Assessment is the process of assessing injuries, prioritizing treatments, and coordinating the care of a combat casualty.

Understanding common causes of and techniques to assess altered mental status is an important concept, especially since casualties whose mental status is altered must be disarmed and have their communication equipment removed.

Communicating with the casualty throughout the TTA is important to reassure them and maximize their response to any treatments rendered and to provide valuable insights into the casualty’s status over the course of their treatment.

When feasible, maintain body substance isolation.

The Tactical Trauma Assessment should follow the MARCH PAWS sequence to ensure a standardized approach that has been shown to yield the best outcomes for combat casualties. Time permitting, a more detailed physical exam can be performed before preparing the casualty for evacuation to the next level of medical care.