Army Techniques Publication for Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid
ATP 4-02.11 is the Army's current first aid and casualty response publication, published in March 2026 by the Medical Center of Excellence. It supersedes TC 4-02.1, First Aid, and brings tactical combat casualty care and first aid into one manual. If your study material still cites TC 4-02.1, it is out of date.
Open the official record- Type
- ATP
- Edition verified
- March 2026
- Used in
- TrainingBoard Prep
What to take from it
- Supersedes TC 4-02.1, First Aid, dated 21 January 2016.
- Covers casualty response from the point of injury, including tactical combat casualty care phases.
- Written for all Soldiers, not only combat medics.
- Published March 2026 -- one of the newest publications in the Army library.
These points are our summary, written for recall. They are not a substitute for the publication and they will not cover everything a board can ask. Read the source.
Board questions from this publication
What are the three phases of tactical combat casualty care?
Care under fire, tactical field care, and tactical evacuation care.
ATP 4-02.11, Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid
What does the acronym MARCH stand for, and why is it used in that order?
Massive hemorrhage, airway, respiration, circulation, and hypothermia or head injury. The order puts uncontrolled bleeding first because hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield.
ATP 4-02.11, Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid
What are your priorities during care under fire?
Return fire and gain fire superiority, keep yourself from becoming a casualty, and get the casualty to cover if it can be done safely. The only medical treatment expected is stopping life-threatening extremity bleeding with a tourniquet. Airway management and detailed assessment wait until tactical field care.
ATP 4-02.11, Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid
How do you apply a tourniquet during care under fire?
Apply it high and tight on the injured limb, over the uniform, well above the wound. Tighten until the bleeding stops, secure the windlass, and note the time of application. Refine the placement later during tactical field care.
ATP 4-02.11, Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid
How does tourniquet placement change once you reach tactical field care?
Reassess the wound and, if the situation allows, move the tourniquet to roughly two to three inches above the wound and never directly over a joint. Tighten until the bleeding stops and the distal pulse is gone. Write the time of application on the tourniquet and the casualty card. Do not loosen or remove a tourniquet that has been applied.
ATP 4-02.11, Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid
What are the signs and symptoms of shock?
Pale, cool, clammy skin; a rapid and weak pulse; rapid breathing; restlessness or confusion; nausea and thirst; and, as it worsens, loss of consciousness.
ATP 4-02.11, Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid
How do you treat a casualty for shock?
Control the bleeding first. Lay the casualty on their back and elevate the legs if there is no injury that prevents it, loosen tight clothing, keep them warm and off the cold ground to prevent hypothermia, reassure them, and do not give food or drink. Evacuate.
ATP 4-02.11, Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid
What are the three heat injuries, and which one is a medical emergency?
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Heatstroke is the medical emergency. It is a failure of the body to control its own temperature and it can kill quickly.
ATP 4-02.11, Casualty Response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and First Aid