1-
injury and don chemical-biological-radiological (CBR) protection, if appropriate.
- If conscious but unable to assist in firefight, direct casualty to move to cover. If unable to move, direct
casualty to lay motionless in order to avoid drawing hostile fire. Make tactical decision whether or not to
have other personnel attempt rescue. - Stop exsanguinating external hemorrhage with tourniquet on any bleeding extremity. Ignore non-life-
threatening hemorrhage. - Move casualty to cover so direct pressure can be applied to bleeding wounds in other locations. Potential
hazards of time and exposure do not warrant immobilization of cervical spine before movement.
If airway can be managed by gravity, or AGE is suspected, place casualty in coma position: left side down
(halfway between left-lateral decubitus and prone) and head at same level as heart (Figure 1-1).
Operational Issues: MedCAP (H/CA) Guide
CPT Leonard Gruppo, SP, PA, USAThe entire 86 page MedCAP guide, including all 24 appendices, can be accessed on the SOFMH CD-ROM.
Below is a summary of MedCAP planning procedures, the Hospital Survey checklist and the Village Survey
checklist. These are provided as a quick reference for field use. This guide was originally written for Army
SOF use but is easily adapted by sister services.
MedCAP Planning Checklist
- Preparation. Get passports and international drivers license; computers: programs, reports, peripheral
equipment, backup data. - Receive the order. Verify timeline, analyze order, analyze initial budget request/amount, request
information, request country clearances, manage information through S-3; research using: people who have
been there, unit records, higher HQ medical sections, Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center, medical
capabilities studies, U.S. embassy, host nation personnel, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease
Control, internet; outline the mission, what is the required clothing - Initial planning conference (IPC). Confirm your duties, arrange initial meetings, verify VetCAPs/DentCAPs,
set time for IPC; prepare for IPC: how much money, dental and veterinary assets, additional expertise;
meet with counterparts: what type of MedCAP is requested, where and when will the MedCAP take place,
what personnel are needed, how many interpreters, what diseases are endemic, what immunizations are
requested, what equipment is desired/needed; VetCAP specifics: # and type of animals, location of herds;
what not to discuss, committing, get temporary license to practice, verify weather considerations for mission,
prepare tentative schedule, write memorandum of agreement or understanding, get price lists; get MedEvac
information: hospitals, agencies; identify computer services, prepare reports, list points of contact, verify mid
planning conference, get organized - Post IPC. Review IPC, make informal coordinations; organize team composition: choose personnel, cover
your unit med section; request personnel, prepare the medical supply order, consider the patient
populations, consider the types of medications/supplies needed, attempt to maintain standards of care,
consider preventive medicine issues, order Lexington Bluegrass Army Depot (LBAD) equipment, request
civilian clothing funds if required; prepare a tentative mission budget: keep 10% reserve funds, track
expenditures, request subsistence support, reserve $$ for medical resupply; issue warning order - Mid Planning Conference (MPC). Review IPC, review logistics procedures, find host nation (HN)
suppliers, reserve area for storage of supplies, reserve rental vehicles, detail food and water sources,
prepare email account for MWR, confirm next meeting at Predeployment Site Survey (PDSS), reserve
Figure 1-