What should be your first priority while approaching a soldier injured in combat?

The first priority when approaching a soldier injured in combat is ensuring personal safety. This is fundamental because, in a combat environment, there can be ongoing threats such as enemy fire, unexploded ordnance, or environmental hazards that could pose additional risks to both the injured soldier and the rescuer. If personal safety is not established first, the rescuer may become another victim rather than a lifesaver, which could complicate the situation further and reduce the chances of effectively providing care.

Once safety is assured, the rescuer can then focus on assessing the situation, identifying injuries, providing necessary medical assistance, and managing pain. However, none of these actions can effectively occur if the rescuer is in danger, making personal safety the top priority in these scenarios.