What is the 2nd step in "Patient/Provider Safety" for P-MARCH-P?

The second step in "Patient/Provider Safety" for P-MARCH-P is maintaining fire superiority. This step is crucial in ensuring a safe environment for both the casualty and the medical provider. By establishing fire superiority, the medical team can prevent further injuries to the casualty and protect themselves from potential threats during the treatment process. It allows for the provision of care without the immediate risk of enemy fire, which is critical in combat situations.

The focus on fire superiority also emphasizes the tactical nature of casualty care in a combat zone. It involves taking necessary actions to dominate the battlefield, which can include returning fire or using cover effectively. Ensuring that the enemy is suppressed allows for a safer environment to address the medical needs of the casualty, thus enhancing patient outcomes.

Monitoring vital signs, establishing communication with medics, and evacuating casualties are important aspects of patient care but come after securing the environment through fire superiority. These tasks cannot be effectively performed if the providers are at risk of being harmed.