What is the correct action for a DD Form 1380 initiated on a casualty prior to evacuation?

The correct action for a DD Form 1380, often referred to as the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Card, initiated on a casualty prior to evacuation is to attach it to the casualty in a prominent location. This form serves as a critical communication tool that conveys vital medical information regarding the casualty's condition and treatment to the medical personnel who will provide care during evacuation and subsequent treatment.

By placing the DD Form 1380 directly on the casualty, it ensures that the information is readily accessible and visible to all medical staff involved in the evacuation and treatment process. This visibility is crucial as it can help prevent errors in care, reduce delays in treatment, and improve outcomes for the casualty.

Other actions, such as placing it in the casualty's medical record or handing it to the driver, might lead to delays in accessing important information at the critical moment when healthcare providers are making treatment decisions. Similarly, giving the card to the casualty for handoff removes the critical information from immediate access by medical personnel, which could compromise care. Thus, attaching the form directly to the casualty is the most effective approach for ensuring timely and appropriate medical intervention.