What should be done if a casualty is able to engage as a combatant during Care Under Fire?

When a casualty is able to engage as a combatant during Care Under Fire, it is essential to direct or expect the casualty to remain engaged. This is crucial for a few reasons. First, during Care Under Fire, the primary concern is ensuring the safety of all personnel on the scene, including the casualty. If the casualty is capable of defending themselves or maintaining situational awareness, their contribution can help reduce further risks to both themselves and their fellow soldiers.

For instance, engaging in combat can prevent the enemy from advancing or targeting them during the critical moments of care. This emphasizes the principle of maintaining tactical advantage and protecting the injured individual. It is also important to ensure that the casualty remains in a position where they can receive care when it is safe to do so.

Encouraging the casualty to wait for help or moving them to safety would neglect the immediate tactical situation and could increase the risks for everyone involved, including potentially placing the casualty in a more vulnerable position. Conducting airway management without ensuring safety and tactical advantage could result in exposing both the caregiver and the casualty to additional danger. Therefore, the emphasis on remaining engaged acknowledges the complexities of the combat environment while prioritizing safety and tactical resilience.