What should be done before engaging with a casualty in Care Under Fire (CUF)?

In the Care Under Fire (CUF) phase, the primary focus is on maintaining personal safety and ensuring that the environment is secured before addressing the needs of a casualty. The correct action is to return fire and take cover, which is crucial for protecting yourself and others from ongoing threats. Engaging with a casualty without first ensuring that the area is safe places both the medic and the casualty at greater risk of harm.

During this phase, the priority is to minimize exposure to hostile forces while attending to injuries. Only when it is deemed safe to do so should the medic attempt to assess or provide care to the casualty. Therefore, returning fire and taking cover establishes a secure environment, allowing for a more effective and safe method of care to follow once threat levels are manageable.