Analgesia and Antibiotic Administration

What to remember

• The Combat Wound Medication Pack is a pill pack in the JFAK or IFAK with oral pain medicine and an oral antibiotic, covering both the P and the A in MARCH PAWS.CLS M14 Notes, PDF p.2-4
• Give it as soon as possible after life-threatening conditions are controlled, and follow the medic's direction if one is present.CLS M14 Slides, PDF p.13-15
• Give it to a casualty who is conscious, able to swallow, not in shock, with mild to moderate pain and still able to fight, or with any penetrating wound or broken skin.CLS M14 Slides, PDF p.13
• Do not give it if he is unconscious or cannot swallow (including severe facial trauma or burns) or has a known allergy; refer an unconscious casualty to the medic.CLS M14 Slides, PDF p.13
• The pack's pain pills are acetaminophen, meloxicam and suzetrigine; ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin can interfere with clotting.CLS M14 Notes, PDF p.3
• Antibiotic options are cefadroxil (preferred), cephalexin (alternative) and moxifloxacin (legacy); give what was issued and follow the medic.CLS M14 Slides, PDF p.9
• The casualty takes all medications in the pack as issued, by himself or with help, and you record the drugs and times on the DD Form 1380.CLS M14 Slides, PDF p.12

Where people go wrong

• Skipping the allergy check before giving the pack (a critical step on the assessment sheet).CLS M14 Skills Assessment, PDF p.1
• Giving pills to a casualty who is unconscious or cannot swallow; refer him to the medic instead.CLS M14 Notes, PDF p.5
• Handing out ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin for pain, which can interfere with clotting and add bleeding risk.CLS M14 Notes, PDF p.3

Check yourself

Questions on this module, each with the reason and the slide it came from.