In tactical field care, what should be your priority when assessing a casualty?

In tactical field care, the priority when assessing a casualty is to ensure the area is safe before approaching. This is crucial because a combat environment can pose various threats, including enemy fire or environmental hazards. If the area is not secure, approaching a casualty could not only put the rescuer at risk but also jeopardize the safety of the casualty and potentially other team members.

Assessing the safety of the environment allows for effective decision-making regarding how to provide care without exposing oneself to unnecessary danger. Once safety is established, care can then be administered efficiently and effectively. Other aspects, such as keeping personal belongings safe or communicating with fellow soldiers, are important but subordinate to the necessity of ensuring safety in a tactical situation. Administering medications, while critical to patient care, must also occur in a secure environment to protect both the medic and the patient from harm.