What is the purpose of the Field Medical Card?

The Field Medical Card is primarily designed to record the admission, treatment, and disposition of casualties. This means that it serves as an important tool in the field for documenting essential patient information, which is critical for ensuring the continuity of care. When a service member is injured, accurate and timely documentation enables medical personnel to understand the patient's medical history, the treatments administered, and the next steps in their care. This becomes vital in scenarios like triage during combat situations, where medical staff must quickly ascertain the best course of action for various casualties.

Tracking medical treatment through the Field Medical Card allows for effective communication among healthcare providers, ensuring that vital information is shared and decisions can be made based on the documented care prior to further intervention. This systematic approach ultimately supports better outcomes for injured personnel and enhances the overall efficiency of medical responses in the field.