What is the difference between the TCCC Card (DD Form 1380) and the TCCC After Action Report (AAR)?

The TCCC Card (DD Form 1380) is designed to be filled out in real-time at the point of injury. It serves as a vital tool for documenting the immediate medical care provided to a casualty during tactical combat operations. This card captures crucial information about the injuries sustained, the interventions performed, and the patient's condition, all of which are critical for ongoing care as the casualty is evacuated to higher echelons of medical support.

In contrast, the TCCC After Action Report (AAR) is a comprehensive document completed after the mission or operation has concluded. The AAR serves to analyze the overall effectiveness of the combat operation, including the medical response and outcomes, and provides recommendations for future operations. This distinction highlights the timing and purpose of each document: real-time documentation during an emergency versus an analytical review after the fact.

Understanding this difference is essential for ensuring that proper medical and operational feedback processes are in place. The AAR can also serve to improve TCCC practices and protocols based on the insights derived from the experiences documented.