What is the primary focus of Care Under Fire in TCCC?

The primary focus of Care Under Fire in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is controlling severe bleeding. This focus is crucial because during combat situations, immediate threats are present, and it is essential to minimize the risk to the caregiver while also providing life-saving interventions to the casualty. Controlling severe bleeding can significantly increase the chances of survival, making it the top priority.

In a scenario where immediate extraction may not be safe due to ongoing fire, managing the most life-threatening issue—severe hemorrhage—takes precedence. Airway management and assessing consciousness, while important, are secondary in the chaos of a firefight where preserving life through bleeding control can stabilize the casualty until conditions improve for additional care. Thus, the emphasis on severe bleeding control reflects the high-stakes nature of combat, prioritizing survival in uncertain environments.