In the event of multiple casualties, what should combat lifesavers be prepared to do?

In the context of multiple casualties, it is crucial for combat lifesavers to effectively assess and prioritize which individuals need immediate medical attention. Performing triage is essential because it allows lifesavers to evaluate the severity of injuries and determine the most urgent cases that require treatment first. This practice helps ensure that those who are in the greatest danger receive care as quickly as possible while optimizing resources, especially in high-stress environments where medical support may be limited.

By implementing triage, combat lifesavers can systematically organize their response, thereby enhancing survival rates among the casualties. This approach is particularly vital in combat situations, where timely medical intervention can significantly impact outcomes.

The other options do not align with the immediate priorities of a combat lifesaver in a mass casualty incident. For example, providing psychological counseling may be necessary, but it is not the primary focus during acute management of physical injuries. Similarly, attempting to evacuate all casualties simultaneously can lead to chaos and ineffective care, while administering vaccinations is not relevant in an acute trauma scenario. Therefore, performing triage is the fundamental action required in the event of multiple casualties.