Which of the following actions is NOT considered part of 'care under fire' protocols?

In the context of 'care under fire' protocols, engaging in immediate life-saving interventions while under threat from enemy fire is critical. These protocols prioritize actions that can be carried out safely without exposing oneself or the casualty to further danger.

Controlling severe bleeding is essential in a combat situation to stabilize a casualty and prevent further blood loss. Engaging the enemy is also part of the protocol, as it may be necessary to neutralize the threat in order to ensure the safety of both the medic and the casualty. Evacuating the casualty immediately is important when it is safe to do so; however, it should not be the first action taken if the situation poses an ongoing risk of injury or death.

Assessing vital signs, while important in a medical setting to understand the casualty's condition, is not typically part of 'care under fire' actions. During active combat, the assessment of vital signs can be deprioritized compared to immediate and life-saving measures like controlling bleeding or addressing imminent threats. Therefore, focusing on vital signs is not aligned with the urgency and immediate decision-making that defines care under fire.