What is a primary goal during the Tactical Field Care phase?

During the Tactical Field Care phase, the primary goal is to control life-threatening injuries. This phase occurs after the care under fire phase, when it is safe to provide medical interventions. The focus during this period is on assessing the casualty’s injuries, providing necessary life-saving treatments, and preventing further deterioration of their condition. Key interventions include managing airway problems, controlling hemorrhage, and addressing tension pneumothorax, among others.

The urgency of addressing life-threatening injuries cannot be overstated; these interventions directly impact survival outcomes. Successful management during this phase can stabilize the casualty until they can be safely evacuated to a higher level of care. While comfort and emotional support, evacuation procedures, and documentation of findings are also important aspects of casualty care, they are secondary to the immediate need to control critical conditions that could lead to death if not managed promptly and effectively.