What is the primary concern during the Care Under Fire phase?

During the Care Under Fire phase, the primary concern is to minimize the risk of further injury to both the casualty and the provider. This phase occurs in a combat environment where the threat of ongoing enemy fire is present, and the immediate focus is on evacuating the casualty to a safe location rather than performing extensive medical interventions.

The rationale is that providing care when there is a risk of being exposed to hostile fire can put both the casualty and the rescuer at greater risk of injury. Therefore, measures taken during this phase are aimed at ensuring safety and enabling a timely evacuation.

While pain management, detailed examinations, and psychological assessments are important aspects of overall casualty care, they are not prioritized during the Care Under Fire phase due to the immediate dangers present. The emphasis on minimizing risk allows for both the heart of the operation to continue and the possibility of providing more extensive care in a safer environment later.