Initial Assessment
Create a Safe Environment
Secondary Survey
Principles of Prolonged Field Care
Role 1 units must be prepared to hold onto patients for longer periods as dictated by
operational tempo and asset availability. This pathway will aid clinicians in preparing for
and delivery of Prolonged Field Care.
PFC is made up of three parts:
1. Preparation. Creation of a safe environment for the delivery of care. This is dicated
by the operational situation and facilities available.
2. Delivery and Maintenance. Initially hourly, this cyclical phase is then adjusted
to meet the needs of the patient.
3. Prep for evacuation.
The Treatment Guidelines section gives guidance on a range of clinical presentations
within the operational environment. Specific to resuscitation the following will act as
pointers.
To support clinicians with decision making, there are a number of resources in the
Toolbox including:
Pain Relief and Medications
Refer to Pain Management Pathway.
The pain pathway details the measurement and management of pain in the operational
environment.
Wound Care
• This guidance has been developed for large/deep/heavily contaminated
wounds of the limbs or torso but NOT body cavities.
• Consider early use of antibiotics
• Do not close the wound if:
- It remains contaminated
- There is damage to underlying structures which require expert
surgical repair
- The injury is older than 6 hours.
Infection Prevention and Control
Full guidance for IPC processes on operations can be found in the IPC Pathway with the
relevant supporting information and policies.
