MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

In a situation of gunfire, what is the best treatment for care under fire?

1. Engage the shooter and then find cover

2. Command your partner to take cover

3. Return fire and take cover

4. Leave the area immediately

The correct answer is: Return fire and take cover

In a situation of gunfire, the best treatment for care under fire focuses on both personal safety and the safety of others while engaging with the threat effectively. The choice to return fire and take cover emphasizes the need to protect oneself while potentially mitigating the immediate danger posed by an active shooter. This approach prioritizes the necessity of responding to the threat to ensure survival first and to secure an area where it is possible to provide care and support afterward. Engaging with the threat provides a means to neutralize the immediate danger before any further actions can be taken. Finding cover after returning fire recognizes the dynamic nature of gunfire situations; it allows for continued protection while assessing the circumstances and preparing to assist injured personnel safely. This action sequence is aligned with tactical training in active shooter situations, emphasizing a balance between threat engagement and personal safety, which is crucial for effective response in such critical instances. The other options, while they may consider aspects of safety, do not adequately address the need for immediate action against the threat combined with securing an effective position for care and potential evacuation of others.