What percentage of soldiers die before reaching a medical treatment facility during ground combat?

In ground combat situations, it is estimated that up to 90 percent of soldiers who die would do so before reaching a medical treatment facility. This statistic underscores the critical importance of immediate medical response and care on the battlefield. The majority of these deaths occur due to preventable causes, such as bleeding from traumatic injuries. In many combat scenarios, if soldiers do not receive prompt medical attention, their chances of survival significantly decrease.

This knowledge is vital for Combat Life Savers, as they are trained to provide immediate care and life-saving interventions on the battlefield, which can dramatically reduce this mortality rate. By equipping soldiers with the skills to perform critical interventions prior to reaching a facility, the likelihood of survival increases substantially—demonstrating the importance of immediate battlefield care as a frontline defense against preventable deaths.