What is the second leading cause of preventable death on the Battlefield?

• A. Major hemorrhage
• B. Non-patent (Closed) airway
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Spinal injury

Answer: (B)

Airway management is the next essential step after stopping life-threatening bleeding in battlefield care. If the airway isn’t open, oxygen can’t reach the lungs, leading to rapid hypoxia and death. In combat injuries, airways become obstructed by blood, vomit, debris, swelling, or trauma to the face and neck, so quickly restoring airway patency—through positioning, suction, airway adjuncts, and, if needed, advanced procedures—directly saves lives. That immediacy is why a non-patent airway is the second leading preventable cause of death on the battlefield. Hemorrhage remains the top preventable killer, while hypothermia and spinal injuries are important factors, they don’t cause as many rapid, preventable deaths as airway obstruction in austere conditions.