Military First Aid as a Context-Dependent Capacity for Action: Soldiers’ Perceptions Following International Deployment

INTRODUCTION: Military first aid is a critical intervention in life-threatening situations in combat environments. As a substantial proportion of potentially survivable deaths occur before advanced medical care is available, effective first aid at the point of injury is essential. In situations where medical resources are delayed, degraded, or inaccessible, soldiers may become the primary providers of care. This study aimed to explore how Swedish soldiers perceive first aid in military settings following international deployment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a qualitative empirical study with a phenomenographic approach. Using purposive sampling, we recruited 20 Swedish soldiers with experience from international deployment. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed to identify the different ways in which first aid was perceived in military contexts. RESULTS: Five qualitatively distinct descriptive categories were identified, representing variations in perceptions of military first aid: structured basic measures, automatic skills, mental readiness, a coordinated effort, and emotional proximity in care. The results demonstrate that military first aid is perceived as extending beyond the application of technical procedures; it encompasses cognitive, interpersonal, organizational, and emotional dimensions of care in operational environments. CONCLUSIONS: Military first aid should be understood as a context-dependent capacity for action rather than solely adherence to predefined procedures. Effective performance depends not only on technical competence but also on how personnel perceive, interpret, and act in complex and dynamic situations. In contemporary conflicts, qualified medical personnel cannot always be expected to be available soon after injuries. These results emphasize the importance of preparing soldiers for the practical, cognitive, and emotional challenges of providing first aid and may inform the development of future military first aid training programs.