Which statement correctly lists the three phases of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and what each focuses on?

• A. Care Under Fire (CUF) – hemorrhage control under fire; Tactical Field Care (TFC) – casualty care at a safe location; Tactical Evacuation Care (TEC) – care during evacuation.
• B. Care Under Fire – airway management; Tactical Field Care – minor wound care; Tactical Evacuation Care – safety briefing.
• C. Care on Scene – triage only; Field care – sedation; Evacuation – not addressed.
• D. On-Scene Stabilization – rapid stabilization for transport; In-Transit Care – care during movement.

Answer: (D)

Tactical Combat Casualty Care is organized around three phases that match the battlefield environment and the order in which care is delivered. First, Care Under Fire addresses hemorrhage control and lifesaving actions while the threat is present and rounds may still be impacting the area. The goal here is to stop life-threatening bleeding as quickly as possible with whatever means are safe, even if moving and fighting continue.

Second, Tactical Field Care takes place once the situation is secured and the casualty is in a safer position. Here, you perform more comprehensive on-site care—airway and breathing assessment and support, continued hemorrhage control, shock management, wound care, and monitoring. The focus shifts from rapid, field-level interventions to more definitive actions that can be carried out in a safer environment.

Third, Tactical Evacuation Care covers care during transport to higher levels of medical care. This phase emphasizes maintaining stabilization, continuing monitoring, ensuring effective communications, and preparing for definitive treatment upon arrival.

The option that describes care in terms of on-scene stabilization and in-transit care does not capture the battlefield-specific phase progression and focuses of TCCC, which are Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care, and Tactical Evacuation Care.