What should be prioritized in the Care Under Fire phase?

During the Care Under Fire phase, the primary focus is on immediate interventions that can prevent death from life-threatening injuries. Controlling life-threatening hemorrhage is critical because uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable death in trauma situations. Quick and effective hemorrhage control can stabilize the patient until more advanced care can be provided.

The prioritization of controlling hemorrhage over other interventions is grounded in the principles of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), which emphasize the importance of doing what is necessary to save a life in high-risk situations. While providing cover and calling for extraction are also important components, they serve to enhance safety and facilitate evacuation rather than directly address immediate life threats.

Administering IV fluids and performing detailed assessments are crucial steps in the later phases of care but are not the immediate priorities during Care Under Fire. This phase demands rapid decision-making with a focus on stopping bleeding and ensuring the patient's survival amidst ongoing threats.