During the care under fire phase, what is the priority of care?

The priority of care during the care under fire phase is to ensure the safety of the medic and the casualty while engaging threats. In a combat situation, the risk of further injury from ongoing hostilities is a critical concern. Therefore, it is imperative to assess and eliminate any immediate threats before providing care. This approach allows for a safer environment in which to render assistance.

By focusing on safety, the medic can adequately evaluate the situation and decide on the next actionable steps once the area is secured. This ensures that the medic can operate without being vulnerable to enemy fire, which is crucial for both the medic’s safety and the ability to provide effective care to the casualty. Only when the environment is secure can other considerations, such as evacuation or administering first aid, be prioritized effectively.