What action should not be taken until the Tactical Field Care phase in TCCC?

The process of managing the airway is critical, but it should not be prioritized until the Tactical Field Care phase in TCCC due to the emphasis on addressing immediate threats in a combat environment. During the Care Under Fire phase, the focus is primarily on the safety of the provider and the casualty, as well as stopping external hemorrhage and directing combat engagement to neutralize the threat. At this stage, the tactical environment is often dynamic and dangerous, and medical interventions are limited to those that can be done safely while still under fire.

Once the situation is stabilized, and the providers are able to secure the scene, they then transition into the Tactical Field Care phase, where comprehensive airway management can be safely performed. This allows for a more thorough and effective approach to airway management, including the potential use of advanced techniques and devices without the immediate threat of hostile action. Thus, managing the airway is properly reserved for when the situation allows for it, aligning with TCCC protocols that prioritize combat readiness and safety first.