When is it safe to move a casualty?

Moving a casualty is a critical decision that must be made with careful consideration of their medical condition and the surrounding tactical environment. The safest time to move a casualty is when they have been stabilized and it becomes tactically necessary. Stabilization means that the individual has received the initial care required to address life-threatening conditions, allowing them to be moved without exacerbating any injuries.

In combat situations, there can be threats that necessitate the relocation of casualties to safer areas, such as when further medical intervention is needed or when the area becomes unsafe for continued care. The term “tactically necessary” implies that the urgency of the situation, the potential for further injury, or the risk to other personnel is taken into account, ensuring that the move is both medically and strategically sound.

The other options do not appropriately encompass the considerations required for safe movement. Walking to safety may not be feasible due to the casualty's medical state. A person's request to be moved does not always align with their medical condition or the tactical situation. Additionally, waiting solely for orders from a higher authority could delay necessary care and potentially worsen the casualty's condition. Hence, the emphasis on both stabilization and tactical necessity reflects a comprehensive approach to casualty care in combat scenarios.