Vietnam Medic Vocabulary & Definitions

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Across
  1. 5. dressing – A larger, absorbent medical pad used to cover wounds and control bleeding.
  2. 6. – The standard backpack field radio used by U.S. troops in Vietnam to call in support or medevac.
  3. 8. (Intravenous) – A method of delivering fluids or medicine directly into a vein.
  4. 9. – A small, tube-like injector (similar to an early auto-injector) pre-filled with morphine for pain relief.
  5. 11. – A surprise attack from a concealed position, often used in jungle warfare.
  6. 14. expander (Dextran) – A fluid given through IV to replace lost blood volume and help prevent shock.
  7. 15. / Medic (“Doc”) – A soldier trained to provide emergency medical care on the battlefield. Infantrymen often called them “Doc.”
  8. 17. dressing – A small, individual first-aid bandage issued to soldiers, used to stop bleeding.
Down
  1. 1. – A tightly tied band or device used to stop severe bleeding by cutting off blood flow to a limb.
  2. 2. pulse – A weak, rapid pulse that indicates shock or severe blood loss.
  3. 3. – The standard military uniform worn in the field (Vietnam-era jungle fatigues were lightweight, designed for hot, wet environments).
  4. 4. artery – A large artery in the thigh that supplies blood to the leg. If cut, a person can bleed out in minutes.
  5. 7. bandage – A triangular cloth bandage (similar to a sling) issued in first-aid kits, often used to improvise a tourniquet.
  6. 9. (medical) – A life-threatening condition where blood pressure drops too low, preventing the body from delivering enough oxygen to vital organs.
  7. 10. – The call sign for medical evacuation (medevac) helicopters in Vietnam. Became a generic term for any medevac mission.
  8. 12. Huey – The most common helicopter used in Vietnam, recognizable by its “whup-whup” rotor sound; used heavily for medevac.
  9. 13. – Rocket-propelled grenade; a shoulder-fired weapon that launches explosive projectiles.
  10. 14. drag – A technique where a casualty is pulled across the ground using a poncho as a stretcher substitute.
  11. 16. fire – Gunfire from the AK-47 assault rifle, the standard weapon of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers.
  12. 18. (Landing Zone) – A cleared or marked area where helicopters could land, often under fire.