1. PRE-MISSION STRUCTURE INSPECTION: Visually and physically inspect all straps, buckles, and MOLLE webbing for tears, frays, or stress fractures. Actuate all zippers through their full track to confirm smooth, snag-free operation.
2. CLEANLINESS AND DRAIN HOLE CHECK: Clear the pack interior of all debris and confirm all riveted drain holes at the base of the main compartment are unobstructed to allow liquid evacuation during field use.
3. FIT AND ADJUSTMENT: Don the pack and adjust the padded shoulder straps and waist belt to fit snugly over your body armor or operational apparel. A properly fitted pack minimizes shifting during dynamic movement and reduces cumulative operator fatigue over extended missions.
4. EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT STAGING: Mount tourniquet holders, trauma shears, and any mission-critical pouches to the five rows of MOLLE webbing on the exterior. Equipment needed in the first thirty seconds of casualty contact must be reachable without opening the main compartment.
5. CINCH STRAP SECURITY FOR TRANSPORT: After loading, tighten all six external cinch straps to compress contents into a stable, consolidated load that will not shift during movement. Loosen all six straps before arrival at the incident to allow full pack deployment without delay.
6. IDENTIFY AND ESTABLISH THE CASUALTY COLLECTION POINT: On scene arrival, identify a safe Casualty Collection Point that is protected from active threats and accessible for incoming responders and evacuation assets. On sloped terrain, orient the pack horizontally before placing it to prevent sliding.
7. FULL PACK DEPLOYMENT: Release all six cinch straps and pull the primary zipper pulls completely around their track until the pack lays flat, exposing all four internal surfaces. This is your medical workspace. Do not partially open.
8. VISUAL LOADOUT CONFIRMATION: Perform a rapid visual scan of your exposed loadout before initiating triage to confirm all required equipment is present and in its designated location. A missing item identified before treatment begins is a problem. One identified mid-procedure is a crisis.
9. TRIAGE AND IMMEDIATE THREAT TREATMENT: Begin triage and address immediate life threats, such as massive hemorrhage, using equipment from externally mounted pouches or the highest-access internal compartments per your established load plan. Follow your governing agency's triage protocol.
10. DELEGATION USING DETACHABLE POUCHES: In a multi-casualty scenario, detach one or both internal modular tactical pouches and hand them to other trained responders on scene. This decentralizes care capability and allows simultaneous treatment of multiple patients from a single pack.
11. POST-TREATMENT INVENTORY AND REPACK: After casualties are stabilized or evacuated, conduct a full inventory against your unit load list. Return all items to their designated locations, zip the main compartment closed, and tighten all six cinch straps to stabilize the load for movement.
12. DECONTAMINATION PROTOCOL: If the pack was exposed to blood or other bodily fluids, treat it as a biohazard. Apply a 10% bleach solution or agency-approved virucidal disinfectant to all interior and exterior surfaces, paying close attention to seams, zippers, and webbing. Adhere to required contact times, then rinse and air dry completely before returning to service.
