Which of the following is the leading cause of preventable deaths on the battlefield?

The leading cause of preventable deaths on the battlefield is extremity hemorrhage. This type of injury can occur from traumatic wounds, such as gunshot wounds or shrapnel injuries, where significant blood loss can happen rapidly due to the injury of major blood vessels in the limbs.

Timely recognition and management of extremity hemorrhage are crucial, as uncontrolled bleeding can lead to rapidly decreasing blood pressure and shock, ultimately resulting in death if not addressed immediately. Combat Lifesaver training emphasizes the use of tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, and other techniques to control bleeding effectively in combat situations.

While airway obstruction, pneumothorax, and traumatic brain injury are significant contributors to battlefield fatalities, they are not statistically the leading cause of preventable death compared to extremity hemorrhage. Properly addressing these issues can still save lives, but the rapid intervention required for extremity hemorrhage is why it stands out as a critical focus during military trauma care training.