Medical - Trauma Essentials

The Trauma Essentials course is designed as a rapid introduction to the practical applications and knowledge needed in stopping massive hemorrhages, the use of chest seal devices, and wound packing. Medical novices and those wishing to refresh their techniques would improve their skills and readiness. This course differs from Trauma Management I as it is focused on three specific skills and does not cover the more holistic view of Crisis Leadership, Triage, and the MARCH algorithm.

This course will give you the critical knowledge and hands-on experience in using your IFAK or medical kit equipment to stop bleeding and save lives.

Topics covered include:

• Crisis mindset and identifying massive hemorrhage.
• Using a CAT tourniquet on others.
• Using a CAT tourniquet on yourself.
• Wound packing
• Chest seal placement

Required Equipment:

Wear clothing appropriate for the student to receive CAT tourniquet placement on the upper arm and upper leg. We recommend a short-sleeved or long-sleeved top and either long pants or shorts with a 9" inseam or greater. Skirts, dresses, or kilts are not appropriate.

Course style is physical, highly interactive, and heavily based on skills application. The course will require hands-on student participation to better train motor skills pertinent to medical aid. The ability of the student to achieve competence in tourniquet application on themselves requires practice under the supervision of an instructor. The proper placement of a CAT tourniquet is uncomfortable but will not cause any injury to the student.

Note: All aspects of this course are drawn from current national and military standards in pre-hospital care and treatment and include current practice set forth by the American College of Surgeons, the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and the Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support Executive Council.