CONTROL BLEEDING
Conditions: Teammate received GSW, applied own CAT, moved to cover. You have a CLS bag. Behind cover, not under fire. Non-CBRNE.
Understanding This Task
This task tests Tactical Field Care — the phase after fire superiority is achieved. You must perform a thorough blood sweep of all areas, apply hemostatic dressing (Combat Gauze), and reassess existing tourniquets.
Blood sweep: Extremities, neck, armpits, and groin. Missing ANY area or failing to detect a wound = NO-GO.
Common NO-GO Mistakes
- Missing an area during blood sweep = NO-GO
- Direct pressure for less than 3 minutes
- Second CAT placed BELOW first (must be ABOVE)
- Checking distal pulse with thumb instead of fingers
Task Basis: 081-COM-1001, 081-000-0048, 081-000-0099
Video Resources
ATP 4-02.11 Doctrine
From Army Techniques Publication 4-02.11, 23 March 2026 — Chapter 4: Massive Bleeding Control
Blood sweep — 6 sites (para 4-4): The initial casualty evaluation should be a rapid head-to-toe check for any unrecognized life-threatening bleeding. This blood sweep is a systematic visual and hands-on (palpation) inspection covering: Neck → Axillary (armpit) → Inguinal (groin) → Legs → Arms → Back. Missing any site = failure to identify a potentially fatal wound.
Life-threatening bleeding indicators (para 4-5): Bleeding is life-threatening when there is pulsing or steady bleeding from the wound; overlying clothes are soaked with blood; blood is pooling on the ground; there is traumatic amputation of an extremity; bandages are steadily becoming soaked; or the patient was previously bleeding and is now in shock (unconscious, confused, pale).
3-minute hemostatic pressure (para 4-50, 4-54): Despite containing active hemostatic agents, hemostatic dressings require direct pressure for at least 3 minutes to be effective. Pack hemostatic dressing tightly into the wound directly over the most active bleeding. Hold continuous direct pressure. If bleeding is not controlled, remove the ineffective dressing and repack. Do NOT pack chest or abdominal wounds with hemostatic dressings.
Junctional anatomy and TQ limits (para 4-32, 4-49): When severe bleeding is noted from a junctional area — neck, axillary (armpit), or inguinal (groin) — TQs cannot be applied. Use CoTCCC-recommended hemostatic dressings for these locations. Junctional bleeding is not treated during CUF; treatment begins in TFC. TQ reassessment: optimal safe duration is less than 2 hours; tissues may start to die after 6 hours.
Source: ATP 4-02.11, Chapter 4, para 4-4 through 4-11, 4-32, 4-45 through 4-56
- Blood sweep: extremities, neck, armpits, groin — missing an area = NO-GO.
- Direct pressure for 3 minutes minimum.
- Second CAT goes side-by-side but ABOVE the first.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
0/3 GO-
1
Perform blood sweep CRITICAL
- Sweep extremities, neck, armpits, and groin areas.
- Expose wounds if bleeding detected.
- Failure to sweep an area or detect a wound = NO-GO.
-
2
Apply hemostatic dressing
- Remove clothing to access wound.
- Identify bleeding point within wound. Remove pooled blood with hand or gauze.
- Pack Combat Gauze directly over source of bleeding — pack entire dressing.
- Apply direct pressure for 3 minutes. Periodically check placement.
- If still bleeding: pack second Combat Gauze.
- Bandage wound: cotton gauze over dressing, secure with emergency bandage.
-
3
Reassess tourniquets
- Attempt to further tighten existing CAT until bleeding stops.
- If CAT still ineffective: place SECOND CAT side-by-side ABOVE the first.
- Pull band tight through friction adapter. Twist windlass until bleeding stops.
- Lock windlass. Secure with windlass strap.
- Assess for absence of distal pulse (skin to skin, no thumb).
- Mark "T" and time. Secure with tape.
- Apply pressure or hemostatic dressing.
Go Deeper — ATP 4-02.11 Reference
Detailed doctrine from the Army Techniques Publication: