TCCC is organized into Phases of Care that start at the point of injury. These phases are relevant to both combat and non-combat trauma scenarios.

1. Care under Fire or Care Under Threat is the aid rendered at the trauma scene while there is still an active threat. Available medical equipment is limited to that carried by an individual or found in a nearby first aid kit. Massive bleeding is the only medical priority that requires your attention during this phase, as you are actively dealing with what could be a chaotic and dangerous situation.
2. Tactical Field Care is the care provided once the threat has been neutralized and/or the scene is safe. During this phase a rapid casualty assessment should be performed. Bleeding control should be assessed/reassessed, and airway/breathing issues addressed. Other injuries such as burns, fractures, eye trauma, and head injuries should now be identified and cared for. Medical equipment is still limited. Time to arrival of medical personnel or evacuation may vary considerably, depending on the situation and location of the event.
3. Tactical Evacuation Care is the care rendered during and once the casualty has been moved by an aircraft or other transportation to a higher level of care. Additional medical personnel and equipment that may have been pre-staged or are co-located should be available in this phase of casualty management. This is not something that we cover at the ASM level, but we want you to be familiar with all the phases of care. The goal of TCCC is to give you a structured process by which to identify and care for casualties and help to keep them alive long enough to reach a medical treatment facility.