What key intervention is recommended during the Care Under Fire phase?

During the Care Under Fire phase of tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), the priority is to control severe hemorrhage that can lead to death in a potentially hostile environment. The use of tourniquets in this scenario is critical because severe external bleeding can occur rapidly and must be managed effectively in order to stabilize the casualty for evacuation and further treatment.

Applying tourniquets allows for the rapid occlusion of blood flow to the extremities where severe bleeding is present. This intervention is particularly essential given the urgency of the situation, as the immediate management of life-threatening hemorrhage is prioritizing life over other considerations, such as the potential for injury to the casualty during the application of a tourniquet or the provision of other types of care that are not suitable in a high-threat environment.

In contrast, other interventions like applying pressure bandages or administering IV fluids may not be feasible or effective in the Care Under Fire phase, where the risk of continued exposure to enemy fire restricts the options for safe and effective treatment. While they may be appropriate in other phases of care, the primary focus during Care Under Fire is on rapid hemorrhage control with a tourniquet. Administering IV fluids or performing chest compressions takes a level of stability and safety that