When implementing Care Under Fire procedures, which option is the correct sequence?

• A. Ignore bleeding and focus on calling for support.
• B. Treat the casualty's injuries in order of severity before addressing threats.
• C. Return fire or move to cover first, then control life-threatening bleeding if tactically feasible.
• D. Wait for more fire superiority to ensure safety.

Answer: (C)

In a Care Under Fire situation, safety comes first. The correct sequence is to first return fire or move to cover to regain safety, then, if it can be done without compromising that safety, you control life-threatening bleeding on the casualty. Once bleeding is addressed as feasible, you continue with casualty care and evacuation as the tactical situation allows.

Why this fits: you cannot save someone’s life if you’re not in a position to do so without becoming another casualty yourself. Addressing threats first minimizes ongoing danger and protects both you and the casualty, making subsequent bleeding control possible. In contrast, ignoring bleeding delays critical care; treating injuries by severity before threats ignores the dangerous environment; and waiting for fire superiority is too passive and wastes precious moments that could cost lives.