During Care Under Fire (CUF), which actions are most likely to save lives on the battlefield?

During Care Under Fire (CUF), the primary focus is on ensuring the safety of both the casualties and the medical personnel while effectively addressing life-threatening conditions. Gaining firepower superiority and applying self-aid principles are crucial actions that have a direct impact on saving lives on the battlefield.

This phase of care emphasizes the need to control the situation and eliminate the threat before any other interventions can take place. If medical personnel or fellow soldiers can suppress enemy fire and enhance their own firepower, they create a safer environment to provide necessary care. Additionally, the application of self-aid principles enables injured personnel to manage their own injuries as effectively as possible while under constant threat.

Addressing the other options, applying dressing materials can be valuable but is less effective if the environment is still dangerous. Similarly, evacuating casualties promptly is essential, yet it cannot occur safely until the firepower situation is addressed, as moving into a hazardous area carries risks for both the rescuers and the casualties. Advanced airway management, while important for airway control, is not feasible in the chaotic and unsafe conditions present during Care Under Fire.