During tactical care under fire, which action is crucial?

In tactical care under fire, the most crucial action is controlling bleeding. This is vital because uncontrolled bleeding can rapidly lead to shock and the death of a casualty, especially in combat or high-stress environments where every second counts. The primary objective during this phase is to ensure that the casualty remains stable enough to be safely evacuated when conditions permit.

Controlling bleeding is a direct intervention that can significantly improve survival chances. Methods such as applying direct pressure to wounds, using tourniquets, or packing wounds with dressings are critical skills that the combat lifesaver must employ quickly and effectively.

While evacuating the casualty, assessing vital signs, and documenting the incident are all important aspects of casualty care, they become secondary when life-threatening bleeding is present. Evacuation can only occur once the casualty is stabilized, and assessing vital signs or documenting is not possible or safe in an active threat scenario.