COMBAT LIFESAVER (CLS) AND TACTICAL FIELD CARE: MILITARY TRAUMA
MANAGEMENT EXAM 2026 | ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS |
VERIFIED ANSWERS | BRAND NEW VERSION!
Question 1
The Combat Lifesaver (CLS) bag contains essential medical supplies to treat multiple casualties.
Which of the following items would typically NOT be found in a standard CLS bag?
A) Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)
B) Chest Seals (Vented)
C) Splinting Materials
D) Hemostatic Dressings
E) Tourniquets (TQ)
Correct Answer: C) Splinting Materials
Rationale: While the CLS bag is an intermediate-level kit that contains significantly more
supplies than the individual Joint First Aid Kit (JFAK), it is primarily optimized for the
treatment of life-threatening injuries such as massive hemorrhage, airway obstruction, and
tension pneumothorax. Standard CLS bags often lack bulky splinting materials to save
space for higher-priority lifesaving interventions. Splinting is typically improvised or
handled with specialized equipment found in higher-level medical bags.
Question 2
Which statement best describes the role and capabilities of a Combat Lifesaver?
A) A medical officer with advanced surgical training
B) Nonmedical military personnel with additional trauma training beyond basic first-aid
procedures
C) A Combat Medic (MOS 68W) or Navy Corpsman
D) A civilian bystander who has taken a basic Red Cross course
E) Any soldier who has been issued a Joint First Aid Kit (JFAK)
Correct Answer: B) Nonmedical military personnel w/addt'l trauma training beyond basic
first-aid procedures
Rationale: The Combat Lifesaver is a vital link between basic buddy-aid and the Combat
Medic/Corpsman. They are nonmedical service members who have received specific,
standardized training to provide advanced point-of-injury care, including needle
, 2
decompression and advanced hemorrhage control, to bridge the gap until a medical
professional can take over.
Question 3
When managing a burn casualty in the Tactical Field Care (TFC) phase, what is a unique
management challenge that must be prioritized?
A) Calculating the exact cost of medical treatment
B) Inhalation injury that can cause difficulties with the airway and breathing
C) Determining the casualty's long-term rehabilitation plan
D) Administering high doses of oral moxifloxacin immediately
E) Immediate application of a tourniquet to all burned limbs
Correct Answer: B) Inhalation injury that can cause difficulties with the airway and
breathing.
Rationale: Burns in a tactical environment are often associated with explosions or enclosed
spaces. Inhalation of hot gases or smoke can cause rapid edema of the airway. In TFC, this
is a critical consideration because an airway that appears patent initially can become
completely obstructed as swelling progresses, necessitating early intervention like a
cricothyroidotomy.
Question 4
A casualty has a wound to their right leg with controlled bleeding. They are alert, not in
respiratory distress, and have a palpable radial pulse. How should you manage this casualty's
pain?
A) Administer IV Ketamine immediately
B) Administer transmucosal fentanyl (OTFC)
C) Administer the casualty's Combat Wound Medication Pack (CWMP)
D) Perform a surgical cricothyroidotomy
E) Administer IV Morphine
Correct Answer: C) Administer the casualty's combat wound medication pack (CWMP)
Rationale: TCCC guidelines utilize a triple-option approach to pain. For casualties with
mild-to-moderate pain who are still able to fight and are not in shock (indicated by an alert
, 3
status and palpable radial pulse), the Combat Wound Medication Pack—specifically the
meloxicam and acetaminophen—is the preferred choice. It manages pain without altering
mental status or respiratory drive.
Question 5
Which of the following describes "Passive Hypothermia" management?
A) Using a battery-operated heating blanket
B) Immersing the casualty in warm water
C) Keeping the casualty's body heat contained and insulating to prevent further loss
D) Administering warm IV fluids only
E) Turning up the heater in the evacuation vehicle
Correct Answer: C) Passive hypothermia management keeps the casualty's body heat
contained and insulates to prevent further loss, but it does not reverse the hypothermic
process.
Rationale: Passive hypothermia prevention involves removing wet clothing and wrapping
the casualty in insulating materials (like a blizzard blanket or poncho liner). It is "passive"
because it relies on the casualty's own metabolic heat production rather than an external
heat source. While effective at slowing heat loss, it cannot significantly raise the
temperature of an already hypothermic patient.
Question 6
A trauma casualty becomes disoriented and shows signs of altered mental status. What is the
correct protocol regarding their communication equipment?
A) Hand it to the nearest enemy prisoner of war
B) Take the communication equipment away from the casualty
C) Ensure they keep the radio to call for help themselves
D) Ignore the equipment and focus only on the MARCH algorithm
E) Turn the volume up so the casualty can hear commands better
Correct Answer: B) Take the communication equipment away from the casualty.
Rationale: Casualties with altered mental status (due to shock, head injury, or pain
medication) are a security risk. They may inadvertently reveal tactical information over the
, 4
radio or misuse sensitive equipment. As part of "Head/Hypothermia" management in
TCCC, disoriented casualties must be disarmed and their communication gear secured.
Question 7
During an inspection of the back, a casualty presents with a hematoma and localized lower back
pain that radiates down the legs. What injury should you suspect?
A) Tension Pneumothorax
B) Sucking Chest Wound
C) Spinal fracture
D) Hypovolemic Shock
E) Open fracture of the humerus
Correct Answer: C) Spinal fracture
Rationale: Localized pain over the spinal column, combined with radiating pain
(radiculopathy) or neurological deficits in the extremities, is a classic indicator of a spinal
injury. In the TFC phase, while life-threatening bleeding is the priority, suspected spinal
injuries require careful handling to prevent permanent neurological damage during
transport.
Question 8
In the Tactical Field Care (TFC) phase, you find a casualty who is bleeding and exhibits
hypotension, tachycardia, and a weak radial pulse. This clinical picture indicates:
A) Neurogenic Shock
B) Psychogenic Shock
C) Hypovolemic Shock
D) Respiratory Distress
E) Septic Shock
Correct Answer: C) Hypovolemic Shock
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock in trauma is typically caused by hemorrhagic blood loss. The
body compensates for low blood volume by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia) to
maintain cardiac output, while the blood pressure falls (hypotension) once compensatory
MANAGEMENT EXAM 2026 | ALL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS |
VERIFIED ANSWERS | BRAND NEW VERSION!
Question 1
The Combat Lifesaver (CLS) bag contains essential medical supplies to treat multiple casualties.
Which of the following items would typically NOT be found in a standard CLS bag?
A) Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)
B) Chest Seals (Vented)
C) Splinting Materials
D) Hemostatic Dressings
E) Tourniquets (TQ)
Correct Answer: C) Splinting Materials
Rationale: While the CLS bag is an intermediate-level kit that contains significantly more
supplies than the individual Joint First Aid Kit (JFAK), it is primarily optimized for the
treatment of life-threatening injuries such as massive hemorrhage, airway obstruction, and
tension pneumothorax. Standard CLS bags often lack bulky splinting materials to save
space for higher-priority lifesaving interventions. Splinting is typically improvised or
handled with specialized equipment found in higher-level medical bags.
Question 2
Which statement best describes the role and capabilities of a Combat Lifesaver?
A) A medical officer with advanced surgical training
B) Nonmedical military personnel with additional trauma training beyond basic first-aid
procedures
C) A Combat Medic (MOS 68W) or Navy Corpsman
D) A civilian bystander who has taken a basic Red Cross course
E) Any soldier who has been issued a Joint First Aid Kit (JFAK)
Correct Answer: B) Nonmedical military personnel w/addt'l trauma training beyond basic
first-aid procedures
Rationale: The Combat Lifesaver is a vital link between basic buddy-aid and the Combat
Medic/Corpsman. They are nonmedical service members who have received specific,
standardized training to provide advanced point-of-injury care, including needle
, 2
decompression and advanced hemorrhage control, to bridge the gap until a medical
professional can take over.
Question 3
When managing a burn casualty in the Tactical Field Care (TFC) phase, what is a unique
management challenge that must be prioritized?
A) Calculating the exact cost of medical treatment
B) Inhalation injury that can cause difficulties with the airway and breathing
C) Determining the casualty's long-term rehabilitation plan
D) Administering high doses of oral moxifloxacin immediately
E) Immediate application of a tourniquet to all burned limbs
Correct Answer: B) Inhalation injury that can cause difficulties with the airway and
breathing.
Rationale: Burns in a tactical environment are often associated with explosions or enclosed
spaces. Inhalation of hot gases or smoke can cause rapid edema of the airway. In TFC, this
is a critical consideration because an airway that appears patent initially can become
completely obstructed as swelling progresses, necessitating early intervention like a
cricothyroidotomy.
Question 4
A casualty has a wound to their right leg with controlled bleeding. They are alert, not in
respiratory distress, and have a palpable radial pulse. How should you manage this casualty's
pain?
A) Administer IV Ketamine immediately
B) Administer transmucosal fentanyl (OTFC)
C) Administer the casualty's Combat Wound Medication Pack (CWMP)
D) Perform a surgical cricothyroidotomy
E) Administer IV Morphine
Correct Answer: C) Administer the casualty's combat wound medication pack (CWMP)
Rationale: TCCC guidelines utilize a triple-option approach to pain. For casualties with
mild-to-moderate pain who are still able to fight and are not in shock (indicated by an alert
, 3
status and palpable radial pulse), the Combat Wound Medication Pack—specifically the
meloxicam and acetaminophen—is the preferred choice. It manages pain without altering
mental status or respiratory drive.
Question 5
Which of the following describes "Passive Hypothermia" management?
A) Using a battery-operated heating blanket
B) Immersing the casualty in warm water
C) Keeping the casualty's body heat contained and insulating to prevent further loss
D) Administering warm IV fluids only
E) Turning up the heater in the evacuation vehicle
Correct Answer: C) Passive hypothermia management keeps the casualty's body heat
contained and insulates to prevent further loss, but it does not reverse the hypothermic
process.
Rationale: Passive hypothermia prevention involves removing wet clothing and wrapping
the casualty in insulating materials (like a blizzard blanket or poncho liner). It is "passive"
because it relies on the casualty's own metabolic heat production rather than an external
heat source. While effective at slowing heat loss, it cannot significantly raise the
temperature of an already hypothermic patient.
Question 6
A trauma casualty becomes disoriented and shows signs of altered mental status. What is the
correct protocol regarding their communication equipment?
A) Hand it to the nearest enemy prisoner of war
B) Take the communication equipment away from the casualty
C) Ensure they keep the radio to call for help themselves
D) Ignore the equipment and focus only on the MARCH algorithm
E) Turn the volume up so the casualty can hear commands better
Correct Answer: B) Take the communication equipment away from the casualty.
Rationale: Casualties with altered mental status (due to shock, head injury, or pain
medication) are a security risk. They may inadvertently reveal tactical information over the
, 4
radio or misuse sensitive equipment. As part of "Head/Hypothermia" management in
TCCC, disoriented casualties must be disarmed and their communication gear secured.
Question 7
During an inspection of the back, a casualty presents with a hematoma and localized lower back
pain that radiates down the legs. What injury should you suspect?
A) Tension Pneumothorax
B) Sucking Chest Wound
C) Spinal fracture
D) Hypovolemic Shock
E) Open fracture of the humerus
Correct Answer: C) Spinal fracture
Rationale: Localized pain over the spinal column, combined with radiating pain
(radiculopathy) or neurological deficits in the extremities, is a classic indicator of a spinal
injury. In the TFC phase, while life-threatening bleeding is the priority, suspected spinal
injuries require careful handling to prevent permanent neurological damage during
transport.
Question 8
In the Tactical Field Care (TFC) phase, you find a casualty who is bleeding and exhibits
hypotension, tachycardia, and a weak radial pulse. This clinical picture indicates:
A) Neurogenic Shock
B) Psychogenic Shock
C) Hypovolemic Shock
D) Respiratory Distress
E) Septic Shock
Correct Answer: C) Hypovolemic Shock
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock in trauma is typically caused by hemorrhagic blood loss. The
body compensates for low blood volume by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia) to
maintain cardiac output, while the blood pressure falls (hypotension) once compensatory
