What is the first phase of TC3?

The first phase of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) is referred to as "Care under fire." This phase occurs when casualties are exposed to hostile fire, and the priority is to minimize further injury while attempting to provide medical care. During this phase, the emphasis is on the safety of both the casualty and the rescuer. The care provided might be limited due to the dangerous environment, so the main focus is on tactics to control the situation, which can include returning fire if necessary and moving to cover to ensure safety. This phase recognizes that actions taken to stabilize a casualty should not compromise the rescuer's safety, as moving to a safer location is often a critical first step before more comprehensive care can be delivered.

In contrast, the subsequent phases of TC3, such as Tactical Field Care, focus on providing more comprehensive treatment once the risk from enemy fire is reduced, highlighting the progression from immediate safety concerns to medical intervention.