In which situation might CPR be warranted during the Tactical Field Care phase?

CPR may be warranted during the Tactical Field Care phase particularly in cases of severe hypothermia, near-drowning, or electrocution. In these specific scenarios, victims may present in a state that can deceive observers into thinking that they are dead, such as very low heart rates or profound hypothermia. However, they may actually be in a reversible state of cardiac arrest.

In severe hypothermia, for instance, the body can slow down its functions significantly, and standard resuscitation techniques may not be immediately effective. With proper warming and CPR, there remains a chance for successful resuscitation. Similarly, in cases of near-drowning, victims may have their airways compromised but can still benefit from immediate resuscitation efforts, especially if they can be revived relatively quickly. Electrocution injuries may also result in cardiac arrest, which may be reversible if addressed promptly.

Choosing CPR in these cases can be essential to save a life, whereas in other scenarios, such as a vehicle crash or general cases of no signs of life, the likelihood of survival with CPR diminishes without specialized intervention. Hospital settings are not the only places where CPR can be effectively applied; however, TCCC guidelines stress initiation of CPR in conditions where it