What action is required in the Care Under Fire (CUF) phase to prevent harm or additional casualties before engaging with a casualty?

In the Care Under Fire phase, the primary focus is on ensuring the safety of both the rescuer and the casualty in a hostile environment. Before any medical aid can be effectively rendered, it is crucial to suppress hostile fire. This is because the risk of injury to the responder or exacerbation of the casualty’s situation is significantly heightened if they remain exposed to enemy fire. By establishing a tactical advantage through suppressing the enemy, the responder can minimize risks, allowing for a more secure environment to process and transport the casualty.

Once suppressive fire is achieved, medical aid can be rendered more safely. The actions taken in this phase prioritize tactical movement and the protection of personnel over immediate medical interventions, highlighting the importance of situational awareness in combat scenarios. This underlining principle is essential in the Care Under Fire phase, as lives can be saved by controlling the immediate threat before any direct care can be applied.