Which form should be used to document vital signs after each assessment?

The correct form for documenting vital signs after each assessment is the DD Form 1380, also known as the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) card. This form is specifically designed for recording critical patient information, including vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature, which are essential for ongoing patient assessment and management in a tactical environment.

Using the DD Form 1380 allows healthcare providers to maintain a clear and organized record of the patient's status, which is crucial for ensuring continuity of care during treatment and evacuation processes. The comprehensive nature of this form helps facilitate communication among various medical personnel involved in the patient's care.

Other forms, like the DD Form 1342, DD Form 1400, and DD Form 1415, serve specific purposes that do not include the documentation of vital signs in the same comprehensive and tactical context as the DD Form 1380. For example, DD Form 1342 is primarily used for items that are issued or transferred, while DD Form 1400 pertains to patients in a clinical treatment setting outside the immediate tactical environment. Using these forms would not provide the specialized and pertinent information needed during urgent care situations on the battlefield.