What is a critical action during 'Care under fire'?

In the context of 'Care under fire,' the primary focus is on providing necessary medical assistance in an environment that is still dangerous and where there is an imminent threat to safety. Establishing a secure area is crucial because it ensures the safety of both the injured individual and the caregiver, allowing for a more focused and effective response to the injuries sustained.

When medical personnel or trained individuals are on the scene of traumatic injuries while still exposed to hostile conditions, their first priority should be to minimize their risk of harm. By securing the area, they can then proceed to deliver medical interventions, assess injuries, and provide care without the added danger of being in a compromised position.

This action helps create an environment where further medical treatment can take place safely and effectively, significantly impacting the overall outcome for the injured party. In contrast, calling for emergency services might not be feasible in a combat or dangerous environment, checking for vital signs could lead to neglecting immediate threats, and applying a tourniquet without having secured the area could result in additional harm. Therefore, establishing a secure area is a critical and foundational step in the 'Care under fire' protocol.