What is the 1st leading cause of preventable combat deaths?

The primary reason hemorrhage from extremities is identified as the leading cause of preventable combat deaths lies in the impact of uncontrolled bleeding during traumatic events. In combat scenarios, injuries often result from high-energy impacts such as gunfire or explosions, which can sever major blood vessels. The rapid loss of blood can lead to shock and, if not managed promptly, can be fatal.

Field agencies emphasize the importance of immediate care, such as applying tourniquets and hemostatic agents, to control bleeding. This focus on stopping hemorrhage reflects advancements in trauma management training and military medicine, where the aim is to intervene quickly to stabilize the injured before evacuation for further medical treatment. Recognizing and addressing hemorrhage effectively has significantly improved survival rates in combat settings, which underscores why this is considered the leading cause of preventable death in such scenarios.