During the care under fire phase, what is the priority action?

In the care under fire phase, the priority action is to deal with the threat and complete the mission. This phase involves a situation where the casualty is in an active combat environment, and the immediate focus must be on ensuring the safety of the individual providing care as well as the team. Addressing the ongoing threat is crucial because any delay in neutralizing the danger can lead to further injuries or casualties not just for the injured individual but also for those attempting to provide aid.

The primary goal during this phase is to safeguard the lives of all team members and stabilize the situation before providing direct medical care. Once the threat is mitigated, then the team can transition into providing the necessary medical interventions or evacuating the casualty. Thus, managing the threat takes precedence over administering first aid or applying tourniquets, emphasizing operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel.