The first phase is Care Under Fire, or in the case of a noncombat environment, Care Under Threat. In this phase, the scene is not safe, and the overall priority is to establish scene safety in the form of fire superiority or control of any threats from a noncombat environment. The TCCC Guidelines state that the basic management plan for Care Under Fire is:

1. Return fire and take cover.
2. Direct the casualty to remain engaged as a combatant if appropriate.
3. Direct the casualty to move to cover and apply self-aid if able.
4. Try to keep the casualty from sustaining additional wounds.
5. Stop life-threatening external hemorrhage if tactically feasible.
6. Move the casualty to cover, if the casualty is unable to move.