What is the first step in the TCCC process?

The first step in the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) process is Care Under Fire. This phase is critical as it focuses on providing immediate care to wounded soldiers while still in a hostile environment. During this stage, the primary goal is to ensure the safety of both the casualty and the medic. It emphasizes the necessity of returning fire to suppress enemy threats, if applicable, and performing immediate and lifesaving interventions, such as controlling bleeding, while still taking care to maintain personal safety.

This approach ensures that medical intervention can happen effectively and efficiently, prioritizing the safety of all personnel involved. The subsequent phases of Tactical Field Care and Tactical Evacuation Care come into play once the immediate threat of enemy fire is no longer present.