Definitive Treatment

Question 1

Definitive treatment refers to the final role of comprehensive care provided to….

Reference: FM 4-02

Answer 1

• return patient to highest degree of mental/physical health possible.
• It is not associated with a specific role or location in the continuum of care; it may occur in different roles depending upon the nature of the injury or illness.

Question 2

As a general rule, no role of care will be bypassed except on grounds….

Answer 2

….of medical urgency, efficiency, or expediency.

• The rationale for this rule is to ensure the stabilization/survivability of the patient through tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), and far forward resuscitative surgery is accomplished prior to movement between medical treatment facilities (MTFs) (Roles 1 through 3).
• Afghan General and SGM*

Question 3

Why it would be wise to attempt to “return to duty” (RTD) patients as far forward as possible?

Answer 3

Examples:

• Because higher echelon roles of care won’t have to utilize their personnel, equipment, and beds to treat the patient.
• Because it would be easier to send the patient back into the fight.
• Because it can help the supported units trust in our medical care capabilities more since we don’t send all patients to the rear.