When using the IED checklist on a casualty, what type of injury are you assessing for?

The IED checklist primarily focuses on assessing for head injuries in casualties. This is particularly relevant in situations involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) since the mechanisms of blast injuries often lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions due to the force of the explosion and the resulting shockwave.

When evaluating a casualty after an IED incident, it's critical to determine if there are signs of head trauma, such as altered mental status, loss of consciousness, or any visible wounds to the head. This focus is due to the potentially serious nature of brain injuries, which can have immediate and long-term implications for the casualty's recovery and can significantly impact their survival chances.

While other types of injuries like abdominal injuries, burns, and fractures can also occur in explosive situations, the priority in the context of the IED checklist is to quickly identify and manage any potential head trauma due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries. Therefore, prioritizing the assessment for head injuries is vital in the tactical setting following an explosion.