e. Anticipate how your actions (movement, noise, light, etc.) may affect the
enemy's fire.
f. Decide what care you can administer to the casualty when you reach him and
what care will have to wait until you have returned the casualty to a place of safety.
2-3.
INITIAL ACTIONS
Remember, if you and the casualty are still under effective hostile fire, return fire
as directed or required. Do not expose yourself to enemy fire in order to provide care.
a. If possible, determine if casualty is alive or dead.
b. Provide tactical care to the live casualty.
(1) Suppress enemy fire. Reducing enemy fire may be more important to
the casualty's survival than the treatment you can provide.
(2) If the casualty can function, direct him to return fire, move to cover, and
administer self-aid.
(3) If the casualty is unable to return fire or move to safety and you cannot
assist him, tell the casualty to "play dead."
c. When the combat situation allows you to safely assist the casualty, do so.
(1)
Approach the casualty by the safest route.
(2) Form a general impression as you approach the casualty (extent of
injuries, chance of survival, and so forth).
(3) If you are still exposed to enemy fire, apply a tourniquet if there is a limb
with severe, life-threatening bleeding and move the casualty and yourself to a safe
location. DO NOT take time to evaluate the casualty's breathing until you and the
casualty are in a safe location.
(4) If you move the casualty and yourself to a safer location, take the
casualty's weapon and other mission-essential equipment with you.
2-4.
CHECKING THE CASUALTY FOR RESPONSIVENESS
a. To check the casualty for responsiveness:
(1) Ask in a loud, but calm, voice: "Are you okay?" Gently shake or tap the
casualty on the shoulder.
IS0877
2-3
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