What should not be a priority when managing a combatant casualty?

In the context of managing a combatant casualty, starting advanced life support is indeed not the primary focus immediately following a traumatic injury in a combat setting. The priority should be on ensuring the safety of both the casualty and the medical personnel, as well as assessing and controlling any immediate life-threatening conditions.

Securing the area for safety ensures that no further harm comes to the casualty or the medical responders, which is crucial in an environment that may still be active with threats. Similarly, using personal protective equipment is essential to protect healthcare providers from injury or contamination. Communicating with the casualty can help assess their condition and provide reassurance, which contributes to better outcomes and compliance during treatment.

Focusing on advanced life support techniques may be more appropriate in a controlled environment like a hospital, rather than immediately on the battlefield where quick and decisive action to stabilize the casualty is required first. Therefore, starting advanced life support may divert attention from these critical initial steps that can significantly impact survival chances.