What is the recommended treatment for a soldier with a compound fracture?

The recommended treatment for a soldier with a compound fracture involves stabilizing the affected area and controlling any bleeding. This approach is crucial because a compound fracture, where the bone has broken through the skin, poses a high risk of infection and significant bleeding.

Stabilizing the injury helps to prevent further damage to surrounding tissues, decreases pain, and reduces the risk of complications, such as excessive bleeding or bone movement that could worsen the fracture. Controlling bleeding is essential to prevent shock and maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs.

While moving the soldier to a safe location, applying a tourniquet, or administering pain medication might be considered in different contexts, these actions are not the immediate priorities. Movement can exacerbate the injury, a tourniquet may not be necessary unless there is significant arterial bleeding, and pain management should occur after the injury has been stabilized and bleeding has been controlled. Prioritizing stabilization and hemorrhage control is fundamental in TCCC protocols.