During which phase of care do you start documenting on the DD Form 1380 TCCC Card?

The documentation on the DD Form 1380 TCCC Card begins during the Tactical Field Care phase. This phase occurs after the immediate threat to the medic and casualty has been mitigated, typically after any urgent threats in the Care Under Fire phase have been addressed.

In the Tactical Field Care phase, the medic has more time to assess the patient's condition and provide more comprehensive medical treatment. It is during this phase that detailed documentation becomes critical, as it allows for continuity of care, communication among healthcare providers, and tracking of interventions administered to the casualty. The TCCC Card is designed to capture essential information such as vital signs, interventions provided, and any changes in the patient's status, which are crucial for further care once the casualty is transported to a higher level of medical care.

While documentation is important in all phases of care, the structured and detailed recording begins during Tactical Field Care when the medic is actively managing the patient's injuries away from the immediate battlefield hazards, laying the groundwork for effective evacuation and treatment at further stages of care.