first responder phase

first responder phase

A phase of medical care in which health care providers' focus to save life and limb and stabilize the patient sufficiently to withstand evacuation to the next level of care. The first response may include first aid (self-aid and buddy aid, combat lifesavers) or medical assistance by combat medics, hospital corpsmen, physician assistants, or physicians. See also essential care; evacuation; patient.

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.