Medical Lane
M10

FRACTURE & BURN

5 minutes

Conditions: IED threw teammates to ground. Closed fracture and burn injury. Non-CBRNE, conscious casualty sitting up.

Understanding This Task

This task combines fracture treatment and burn treatment. For the fracture, you must check CSM (Circulation, Sensation, Movement) distal to the injury, then splint, sling, and swathe as appropriate.

Key principle: Recheck circulation after EVERY application (splint, sling, and swathe). Splint in position found. Splints must extend beyond joints above and below.

Common NO-GO Mistakes

  • Not checking CSM before and after each application
  • Splint not extending beyond joints above and below fracture
  • Tying cravats directly over the fracture
  • Using ice on burns (cool with water only)
  • Applying ointments to burns in the field

Task Basis: 081-831-1034, 081-000-0044

Video Resources

Litter Carry Training
Casualty evacuation techniques
Timer: 5 Minutes
5:00
Critical Notes
  • Check CSM (Circulation, Sensation, Movement) distal to fracture.
  • Splint in position found — do not force alignment.
  • Cool burns with water, NOT ice. No field ointments.
  • Recheck circulation after every splint/sling/swathe application.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

0/6 GO
  1. 1

    Reassure casualty, explain treatment

    • Loosen tight/binding clothing. Remove jewelry from affected limb.
  2. 2

    Check circulation below injury (CSM) CRITICAL

    • Light skin: Check color (pale, white, bluish gray).
    • Dark skin: Depress toenail/fingernail beds, check return of color (slower = circulation problem).
    • Feel if injured limb is colder than uninjured.
    • Ask about numbness, tightness, cold sensation.
  3. 3

    Splint (improvised or SAM)

    • Splint fracture in position found. If no circulation or grossly angulated, gently realign.
    • Ensure splint ends do not press against groin.
    • Place one splint on each side. Splints must reach beyond joints above and below fracture.
    • Tie nonslip knots — NOT directly over fracture. At least 2 cravats above and 2 below.
    • Recheck circulation below injury.
  4. 4

    Sling (actual or improvised)

    • Pressure on uninjured side. Hand slightly higher than elbow.
    • Recheck circulation.
  5. 5

    Swathe

    • Apply above and/or below fracture, NOT over it.
    • Wrap over injured arm, around back, under uninjured arm. Tie on uninjured side.
    • For legs: wrap around both legs, tie on uninjured side.
    • Recheck circulation.
  6. 6

    Treat burn

    • Cut clothing away from burn. Remove rings/bracelets.
    • Apply dry sterile dressing securely but not overly tight.
    • Cover extensive burns with sterile sheet/linen.
M9: Abdominal & Eye P1: Move Under Direct Fire