Continuum of Care

The U.S. Military created a system of providing aid that is segmented into periods of time where aid is provided by specific roles at properly designated theaters of care depending on the severity of the injury. This “system” is referred to as the Continuum of Care. A visual diagram is provided below.

This diagram is a representation of the continuum of combat casualty care, but the same principles apply in all branches of service: prioritizing pre-hospital care under Role 1, damage control surgery in Role 2, a hospital for all needs is provided in Role 3, and Role 4 is used for severe life-threatening instances that go to regional medical centers in or out of the continental United States.