Combat Life Saver Practice Test

Positioning the casualty's forearms on his chest serves several important purposes in a medical situation. First, it provides a stable position and helps to secure the upper body, minimizing any potential injury or movement that could exacerbate existing conditions. This position can also improve airway management, making it easier to assess and maintain an open airway, important in emergency situations where the casualty may be unconscious or semi-conscious.

Additionally, this position can facilitate easier access for CPR if needed and allows for effective monitoring of the casualty’s condition. By keeping the arms in this manner, healthcare providers can ensure they have a clear path for further interventions without being impeded by the casualty's limbs.

In comparison, leaving the arms straight at the sides could create challenges for medical personnel accessing the torso for examinations or potential interventions. Putting the arms behind the head may not be practical in stabilizing the casualty and could lead to discomfort or further injury. Crossing the arms over the stomach, while it may seem secure, does not support effective monitoring or intervention strategies as adequately as positioning the forearms on the chest does. Thus, positioning both forearms on the chest is the most effective and common practice in this situation.